by Kim Francis
Wolf howls by wolves and humans were heard at the 2nd Annual Wolfstock held Sunday at the Wolf and Wildlife Refuge. About 300 attendees enjoyed vendors, musicians and a beer garden by Paradox Beer Company. Paradox had a special brew for the festival. Birds of Prey was a last minute cancellation.
At 3:00 music stopped and an announcement made to “please be seated on a hillside, as the wolves would be brought out shortly.” They were asked not to stand, to stay quiet and not to try and touch the wolves. 2 wolves were brought out. Bella (a Siberian Husky and Gray Wolf mix) and Keyni (a British Colombian Tundra and Gray Wolf mix). After a short talk by founder Darlene Kokobel the wolves were brought out. Eventually they were brought into the audience to mingle.
All the bands volunteered to play for free. The $30.00 admission was earmarked to fund their fire mitigation efforts.
There are 19 wolves, 7 foxes, 4 Coyote, 2 mini-burros, chickens, 2 horses and 1 mini-horse that call the Center home. Summer tours hours are Tuesday through Sunday. Tour times are 10 am, noon, 2 pm, 4 pm, and 6 pm. There is no 6 pm tour on Thursdays. Closed on Mondays.
Reservations are required during the summer. Maximum group size is 40 people. Approximately 40,000 people visit the center annually. Visit their website:www.wolfeducation.org for more information. From Colorado Springs take Hwy 24 west through Divide, CO. Turn Left on Twin Rocks Rd. Travel approximately 3 miles to the main entrance. It will be on the right side of the road.
