WildEarth Guardians

Tuesday, March 26, 2013
WildEarth Guardians Joins the National #LoboWeek Movement

Celebrating a Milestone in Wolf Recovery
Contact: Carol Norton 505 440-7158

Santa Fe, NM- March 26, 2013 – WildEarth Guardians has joined #LoboWeek, a first of its kind effort that will harness the collective power of a WILD group of partners gathered to inform and inspire people about the importance of wolves, and in particular the Mexican gray wolf on the landscape of the southwest and why their support is so critical right now.

In March 1998, 11 captive-reared Mexican gray wolves (Canis lupus baileyi) were reintroduced to the wild in the Blue Range Recovery Area of Arizona and New Mexico. Missing from the landscape for more than 30 years, the howl of the rarest and most unique subspecies of gray wolf was once again greeted by the wilds of the southwest.  March 2013 marks the 15th anniversary of this historic event, a significant milestone for the lobo and wildlife conservation.  In recognition of the anniversary and the hard work that is still being done, WildEarth Guardians will be joining the #LoboWeek movement to educate people about the Mexican wolf, or "lobo", and our efforts to successfully restore this critically endangered species to their ancestral home. 

During the week of March 23 thru 30, wildlife organizations, zoos, advocacy groups, businesses, and individuals will come together with one common purpose - to educate the public about the most genetically distinct subspecies of gray wolf in North America, the Mexican gray wolf.

#LoboWeek will harness the power of social media to broaden our reach and create a national movement in support of Mexican wolves roaming freely in the Gila. During this last week of March, #LoboWeek partners will dedicate time to the lobo on Facebook and Twitter, offering information about the lobo, special events around the country celebrating this special milestone in lobo recovery with contests, games, photos and videos. In addition, we will be speaking to the important work still being done by the partners for wolves.

"#LoboWeek compliments WildEarth Guardians dual mission of protecting and restoring wolves in the wild," shared Carol Norton, WildEarth Guardians’ Associate Director, "We’re thrilled to be part of the effort to bring the plight of one of the world's most rare and iconic species to a larger audience. It's success will depend on our collective efforts and collaboration, and I'm thrilled that WildEarth Guardians is both a leader, and part of the “pack” making this movement a reality!"

To learn more about #LoboWeek, please visit: http://wg.convio.net/site/PageServer?pagename=priorities_wildlife_wolves_den