Nashira: A Unique Educational Opportunity
Nashira, a captivating gray wolf-dog mix, made an appearance at the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies at Hallam Lake in Aspen on Friday, June 28, 2024. She belongs to Mission: Wolf, a pioneering solar-powered nature sanctuary for wolves in Westcliffe, Colorado.
Educational Experience
Mission: Wolf recently paid a visit to the ACES Summer Camp at Hallam Lake, where they introduced a live gray wolf mix to young students. The First Adventure group (Grades 1-2) and Patterns in Nature group (Grades 3-4) had the opportunity to learn about wolves, their unique adaptations, and behaviors.
Insightful Discussion
Kent Weber, the Director and Co-Founder of Mission: Wolf, engaged the children in a thought-provoking conversation about wolf behavior and the misconceptions surrounding these magnificent creatures. He highlighted the misconceptions that lead to fear and unnecessary harm towards wolves.
Heartwarming Encounter
Weber emphasized the importance of understanding wolves' natural instincts and the dangers of domestication. He shared anecdotes and insights that captivated the young audience, illustrating the challenges of caring for wolves and the need for responsible ownership.
Interactive Learning
The children had a hands-on experience with Nashira, a seven-year-old, 88-pound gray wolf-German Shepard mix, who interacted gently with them under the guidance of the Mission: Wolf team and ACES instructors. The students learned about the unique features of wolves' coats, the differences between wolves, foxes, and coyotes, and their natural habitats.
Enriching Summer Camp
ACES Summer Camp continues to offer enriching experiences for children from kindergarten to eighth grade until Fall 2024. To learn more about their programs, visit aspennature.org. For additional information about Mission: Wolf and their conservation efforts, visit missionwolf.org.