ANIMAL WELFARE
Wolves not destined to be domestic pets
The Garden Route Wolf Sanctuary opened its doors 16 years ago and continues to receive animals
There should be no need for a wolf sanctuary in SA, but many have been imported and rejected by their owners. The animals are idealised for their prestigious top ranking in the Canidae family (which includes dogs) but their potential as guards or companions is seldom matched by reality. A wolf has a very different nature from a dog. The Garden Route Wolf Sanctuary opened its doors 16 years ago and continues to receive animals and provide a refuge for them.
Animal manager Santie Prinsloo says most of the rescues are directly from owners of wolves, or the sanctuary is tipped off by people who see wolves advertised or being given away. "We get e-mails or calls weekly about wolves that are being sold on social media and we will investigate," she says. "Sadly, there is no help from the government. Conservation is not very high on our government’s priority list and for non-transferable residents — as wolves are classified in SA — even less."..
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