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VIDEO: Don’t be afraid of the big bad wolf
b12-718 Anglian Wolf Society, North Beds.
WOLVES have a little bit of a bad reputation and from an early age we are told how big and scary they are.
But for the Anglian Wolf Society that is simply not true, and they are on a mission to dispel the myths surrounding the much maligned mammal.
This week reporter Hayley O’Keeffe got up close and personal with four beautiful wolves at the society’s HQ in North Bedfordshire and discovered the truth about the criticised canine.
The Anglian Wolf Society has been running for 11-and-a-half years taking on zoo surplus animals and promoting conservation projects.
Currently housing four wolves at the spacious site the pack consists of alpha male Cheza, 11 and his twin brother Peyto and girls Ainaya and Kaya who are both six and were fathered by the males.
Cheza, whose name is Swahili for playful, and his brother came to the site aged just 10-days old and have grown up with society members including Caroline Elliot.
She said: “We are here to try and educate people in the UK, especially youngsters because wolves get a bad press, particularly in early life with nursery stories like Little Red Riding Hood.
“We also raise money for conservation and it’s great to be part of it because these people work so hard.
“We raise money for conservation for a group in Bulgaria who are working hard to keep bears and wolves in the wild.”
Wolves sadly do not live in the wild in the UK and Scotland anymore. The last wild wolf was shot in the UK in the 1400s and in Scotland in the 1700s.
The shy animals prefer to avoid humans in the wild and are among the least threatening creatures in the world for their size and predatory potential.
Caroline added: “When people come here they always leave with big smiles on their faces, leaving with hopefully a different perception of what these animals are all about.”
And on July 29 there is a chance to see for yourself just how different wolves are to their ‘big bad’ persona.
The Anglia Wolf Society is holding an open day which gives members of the public the opportunity to see the socialised creatures in action and to learn more about conservation.
On the day there will also be educational games for children, a chance to see pygmy hedgehogs, owls and llamas and themed quizzes for adults.
To find out more and to buy tickets which cost £5 call 0844 414 2120.
To learn about the society visit www.anglianwolf.com
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Saturday 25 May 2013
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