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| - I do not support zoos or places that profit off of animals and/or holds them captive. The Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center is NOT one of those places; it is strictly a rescue and rehabilitation center. They do not bred, buy or sell animals. They have a few paid employees, but depend on volunteers and donations to help them run the center. I am from St. Louis, MO, where we have the Endangered Wolf Center, so I was elated to learn that there was something similar here.
In order to visit the facility, you must make a reservation. (Check their website for dates/times and prices.) We took the Moonlight Tour, which was $30 per person. I initially thought that price was too high, until I learned that the cost of the tour goes directly towards feeding and caring for the animals, and running the center. If you cannot reach them via telephone to make a reservation, you can make it online. Their website will also let you know how many spaces are available for your tour of choice.
The wildlife at this center have been rescued from dire situations: serious injuries, live animal shows (think Vegas & circuses), hunters, humans who actually attempt to domesticate and keep them as pets, endangered species, etc. The center houses Mexican Grey Wolves, bobcats, coyotes, an African Tortoise, bears, mountain lions, foxes, deer, javelina, owls, etc.
During the tour, you may only visit with the animals who cannot be re-released to the wild (for various legitimate reasons, all of which the volunteer tour guide can explain). Animals who are scheduled to be returned to the wild after their rehabilitation do not have contact with the public, for obvious reasons.
It was a last minute decision for me to take my kiddos for the Moonlight Tour on Thursday, 12Jan17; the night of the Wolf Moon. I tried to call ahead to see if they had space available but I couldn't reach a live person. Since I live pretty close, I decided to take my chances and drive up. This was a surprise for mis hijos, so I did not tell them where we were going (in case the tour was sold out). The only thing my son loves more than Batman are wolves. Once we arrived, we were promptly greeted. The woman who greeted us informed us that we were indeed in luck, because this typically sold out Moonlight Tour had space available! I happily paid the $90 donation and we had @ 30 minutes before the tour started so we got to hang out in Lobo Lane.
We hung out with Howley Berry (Tala) and Tivaci, who live in parallel quarters (I saw them eyeing each other... I think someone has a crush.) Tivaci's brother made a quick appearance, but he was very shy. We were told that Howley Berry (they renamed her Tala, but I will forever call her Howley Berry.) was very shy, but she stayed near Jacob Black (aka my son) pretty much the entire time we were there, only leaving to get water. These wolves are so beautiful! Their names and the years in which they were born are printed on their photo and hung on each enclosure. The enclosures for the wolves are very large and the wolves are very healthy. We did feel a little sad for Howley Berry because she was alone and appeared to be lonely. I inquired about why she was alone, but it apparently isn't up to the center. Everything wolf-related is controlled by US Fish & Wildlife, and the center has to follow their orders. (However, US Fish & Wildlife do NOT offer any money to help feed or care for the wolves.)
Once it was time for the tour to start, we joined the group in the main area. Hot apple cider (yum!) and cookies were served as light refreshments. We visited with an owl first. Lovely, regal creature and much larger than I imagined.
Then we moved down towards the coyotes, bobcats, and foxes. The guide was amazing and gave very detailed information/warnings. I especially loved the tongue lashing she gave the fur industry (and its supporters), as she held nothing back about the gruesome reality of how fur is obtained.
Next we visited mountain lions, a bear, and a jaguar (which I kept thinking was a leopard; his name is Leonard, which didn't help my confusion. lol). The jaguar's story definitely made me cry. He was rescued from a Vegas animal show, where he was born in captivity and HIS CANINE TEETH AND CLAWS WERE ALL PULLED OUT just so the handlers could feel safe.
The tour ended in Lobo Lane, where we were treated to the amazing howls of Howley Berry and the other lobos. We learned that one of the center's neighbors sued the center. This "man" wanted the cut the vocal cords of the wolves and the coyotes! Thank GOD he did not win that case!
The Moonlight Tour lasted about 2 hours. It was a cloudy night and the full moon was hidden until the very end. Once the Wolf Moon appeared, my family mostly stood in silence and enjoyed watching the full moon being accompanied by such a majestic sound, so up close and personal. It is an experience that every animal lover should have, and one that we will never forget.
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