Today was simply an amazing day! God is so great!
We went on a field trip today to Wolf Park, a wolf sanctuary, and an elk farm with our friends The Bs. It was freezing, literally (approx 27F), but is was an amazing time.
Mrs. B had met a couple who's property butted up against the park. They also contribute naturally hollowed-out logs for the wolves, who like to climb on and hide in them. Through this relationship, our friends were invited to a private tour of the park before it closes for the season. And, we were invited to come along. (Unfortunately, Daddy was working.)
Just after our tour guide led us into the park, we were greeted by a beautiful male wolf. We walked around a small lake that was part of the main enclosure for the animals. About half a dozen wolves occupy this area. As we neared the other side of the lake, we saw bison on the right side of the path. We then approached a small enclosure that held two coyotes. We watched them for a few moments and then one began to howl. Our guide suggested we all howl and see if any of the wolves answer. For a minute, our entire group was howling at the cold sky. Then, we listened. And we heard many wolves howling back. Four wolves we hadn't seen as we rounded the lake had lifted their heads and were singing to us and each other. It was truly amazing!
We continued our way around the park and saw several magnificent wolves.
At the end of our tour, we came to a small enclosure that held three red foxes. Our tour guide gave us a singular honor - we were allowed to enter the foxes' pen. The guide gave each of us a few treats and we sat down in the enclosure to wait. The black fox, Devon, moved to the other "room" and went back to sleep. Ember, the red fox was very skitterish - she eyed us warily while pacing the other "room". Basil, who is white, is friendly and came to each of us in turn to same the treats. He loved the dried cranberries and ate them more than the cat kibble. We were able to pet his, oh-so soft, fur. He didn't shy away, nor did he scratch or nip anyone. He sniffed towards Kitty's face, wanting to kiss her nose. She was too surprised to let him.
Our new friends have lived by the park for 20 years, and have NEVER been able to interact directly with any of the animals. Only the staff who have developed relationships with the wolves go near them. This experience was like swimming with the sharks at Typhoon Lagoon in Walt Disney World - beyond words.
We sadly left Wolf Park and drove to a nearby Elk Farm. There were at least 2 1/2 dozen animals in the main pen, several of them born just this year. At least one was still suckling. In a smaller pen, was the main bull. His rack was huge! He was trumpeting loudly. It was such an eerie sound. At least one of the cows was chirping back.
They keep the big bull separated because he is "just plain mean" and is very dangerous during rutting time.
We had hot chocolate before heading home.
What a day!
(Edited on Nov. 30, 2008 to add photos.)
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