U.S. Wolf Refuge Invited to the Wildlife Conservation Netowork Expo:

It was an momentous event for the staff of the United States Wolf Refuge to be at this extravaganza. Shellie Robertson, Chris Mikulice, and Bill Chamberlain were honored to spend some quality time and to speak directly with many of the world’s most famous wildlife conservationists. Bill was invited to the event by his dear friend Dr. Jane Goodall. He introduced Dr. Goodall to the U.S. Refuge’s Volunteer Coordinator Shellie Robertson and Project Manager Chris Mikulice. Chris did volunteer work at the Elephant Conservation booth. While there she met and spoke extensively with Dr. Iain Douglas-Hamilton, the world’s foremost African elephant conservationist. Bill was honored to meet with and speak with Dr. Claudio Sillero of the Ethiopian Wolf Recovery Project and Dr. Lauire Marker of the Cheetah Conservation Fund. The Fall 2004 issue of Wolf News (the then U.S. Wolf Refuge newsletter) has an extensive article about Dr. Marker and her cheetah recovery program, and its close similarities to the wolf recovery programs here in the U.S.

The purpose of the event was to bring together people from the many different wildlife conservation programs from all around the world to collaborate on their efforts. Jane Goodall was the keynote speaker and the author of a new book Hope for Animals and Their World: How Endangered Species Are Being Rescued from the Brink. She did an extensive book signing at the event where she autographed hundreds of copies for adoring fans.

Last November, Bill Chamberlain, the curator and director of operations of the U.S. Wolf Refuge got the rare pleasure to meet Dr. Goodall. Over the past year they have developed a close relationship because of their mutual passion for all life. Dr. Goodall and BilI have become friends because they share a driving passion to enable everyone, especially our youth, to make this world a better place. Bill and Jane are working on getting her grandson to spend next summer at the Refuge doing volunteer work. The Jane Goodall Institute has a wonderful program called “Roots and Shoots.” (www.rootsandshoots.org) This is a program about making positive change happen—for our communities, for animals and for the environment. With tens of thousands of young people in over 100 countries, the “Roots & Shoots network connects youth of all ages who share a desire to create a better world. Young people identify problems in their communities and take action. Through service projects, youth-led campaigns and an interactive website, Roots & Shoots members are making a difference all across the globe. Bill Chamberlain of the United States Wolf Refuge is the Team Leader for the Nevada chapter of this wonderful organization.

On the Thursday prior to the Expo, Bill was invited to and attended a reception and lecture by Dr. Goodall on the UC Berkeley campus. There she spoke about Reasons for Hope, another of Dr. Goodall’s many books. This lecture was more than inspiring. With all the world’s problems of today, it is easy to be overwhelmed with a feeling of hopelessness. Dr. Goodall’s over-riding message is that with the tremendous human intellect, the endless energy and resourcefulness of our youth, and the vast resources available all across the globe, together we can make this a better world.

A donation will go a long way in helping us reach our goals.