Wolf Champions
The 06 Legacy would like to recognize the advocacy work of individuals and organizations devoted to wolves. We admire their tireless passion and enduring commitment to wolves. We encourage you to join all of us in the fight to save America's wolves!
"I have high hopes for the future of wolves in North America. Many men will cease to think of them as vermin and see them as they are — one of the most interesting and intelligent animals that have ever lived on our globe. Do you dare to become involved in such a noble cause?"
— Douglas H. Pimlott, Ph.D.
Dedication
On behalf of the 66 founding wolves of the reintroduction to Yellowstone and central Idaho, whose shoulders the restoration of the gray wolf to the western United States rested upon, we will forever celebrate your courage, perseverance, and success.
Wolf Champions sections
Yellowstone Wolf Project
For over 25 years, dedicated members of the Yellowstone Wolf Project have conducted year-round research and monitoring of the park’s wolves in a program that is integral to conservation efforts worldwide. We are grateful for the valuable work they do on behalf of wolves and the willingness to share such a wealth of knowledge with the public.
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Wolf Conservation and Advocacy Organizations
Wolf advocacy is mighty! These are some of the organizations who are fighting for the protection and preservation of wolves. You can help at the local, regional, national, and international level. We welcome you to our Pack with big howls!
Regional
National
Educational
Photography for The 06 Legacy Website
It is an honor and privilege to share the work of photographers whose imagery speaks for the beauty and essence of wolves. A special thank you for your invaluable contribution to wolf advocacy.
Photographers
Photographers for The Yellowstone Wolf Family Tree
Thank you to the photographers who share their images with the Yellowstone Family Tree. You keep the history and memory of Yellowstone wolves alive for future generations to know and cherish as we do.
Photographers
Special Recognition
These individuals inspire all of us with their pioneering and long-term contributions to wolves, and deserve special recognition.
Diane Boyd
Diane Boyd, a renowned wildlife biologist and conservationist has dedicated her life to the study and preservation of wolves. Beginning her career in 1977 alongside esteemed researcher Dr. L. David Mech, Diane's passion for these magnificent creatures took her from Minnesota to the Rocky Mountains of Montana. Tracking the first radio-collared gray wolf to recolonize the Western United States, Diane played a vital role in the restoration of wolf populations and the revitalization of Yellowstone National Park's ecology. Her extensive 30-year tenure at the US Fish & Wildlife Service as a research biologist saw her contribute to essential projects, including population surveys and habitat assessments. Although retiring from the Service in 2014, Diane's commitment to conservation remains unwavering. Today, she continues to champion wildlife management and species preservation, focusing particularly on wolves and their vital role in the natural world. Her groundbreaking work serves as an inspiration for generations to come.
John Vucetich
John Vucetich is a distinguished professor of wildlife conservation at Michigan Technological University and the leader of the Isle Royale wolf-moose project. He has studied wolf activity, population dynamics, and ecological systems of wolves in the Great Lakes region for nearly two decades. His work focuses on understanding how species interact with each other within their ecosystems and how human activities may be impacting them. He is particularly interested in how wolves can help maintain healthy habitats and species diversity. He has published numerous articles in scientific journals, as well as books and book chapters on his research. Vucetich is also an outspoken advocate for wolf conservation and the responsible management of wild areas, speaking out against poaching and other illegal activities that disrupt the delicate balance of nature. His work has been praised by environmental organizations and conservationists around the world. Vucetich's dedication to understanding wolves and their interactions with humans has resulted in a better public understanding of how these incredible animals can be protected and respected. He continues to lead research in this field, helping us develop a deeper appreciation for the importance of wolves in our environment and our relationship with nature.
Rolph O. Peterson
Rolph O. Peterson is a conservation biologist whose pioneering research and advocacy helped preserve the wolf population in North America. Peterson's primary research focus has been the predator-prey study of wolves and moose on Isle Royale, a remote island in Lake Superior. He documented the complex ecological interactions between the two species over sixty years, helping to better understand their role within ecosystems. His work has produced 158 publications and two books, providing important insight into how natural balances are maintained when predators and prey interact in different ways. Peterson worked tirelessly to shepherd wolves back from near-extinction, ultimately leading to their protection under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. His legacy lives on today through the continued protection and recovery of wolf populations across the continent.
L. David Mech
L. David Mech is a prominent wildlife biologist best known for his research on on wolves. In 1958, Mech began a landmark study on the predator-prey dynamic of wolves and moose on Isle Royale National Park. This project has continued for over 60 years and remains the longest continuous study of a predator-prey relationship in the world. Mech is professor emeritus at the University of Minnesota. He has also served as a visiting professor at universities in Canada, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Russia and England. In 1979, he was part of an expedition to Ellesmere Island that discovered the world's northernmost wolf population. He has written numerous books on wolf behavior and ecology and published over 200 scientific papers. Mech is the founder and vice chair of the International Wolf Center, and a frequent speaker at conferences and symposiums worldwide. His life work has greatly impacted our current understanding of wolf behavior and ecology in North America.
Barry Lopez
Barry Lopez is an American author best known for his books about the relationships between people and nature. He has also written extensively about wolves, exploring their important place in the culture and mythology of many indigenous peoples. Lopez has drawn from his own personal experiences with wolves to create works that are both inspiring and educational. His work has been widely praised for its insight into the complex connections between humans and the natural world. He is a passionate advocate for conservation and animal welfare, often using his writing to raise awareness of these issues. With a career spanning more than forty years, Lopez has established himself as a leading voice in the field of nature writing. His work has earned him numerous prestigious awards and honors, including a Guggenheim Fellowship and two National Magazine Awards. He continues to be an influential figure in the literary world, and his books offer readers a unique insight into the beauty and fragility of the natural world.
Jim & Jamie Dutcher
Jim and Jamie Dutcher are a husband and wife team best known for their groundbreaking wildlife documentary Wolfpack. The duo have been active in filmmaking and conservation since the early 1990s, when they first started working together on independent projects. Over the years, they have captured stunning footage of wild wolves, coyotes, bighorn sheep, elk and more throughout the American West. Through their work, they have made significant contributions to our understanding of wolf behavior and ecology. They are also committed to raising awareness about the importance of protecting wild canids and other species in our changing environment. The Dutchers' work is celebrated in books, articles, and television shows around the world, and their passion for bringing wolves into people’s lives has inspired a new appreciation for these incredible creatures. Their work continues to educate and inspire millions of people around the globe. Jim and Jamie Dutcher are true heroes of conservation, and their message is always clear: we must protect wild wolves before it's too late. Garrick Dutcher, their son, is proud to carry on their commitment and dedication to wolves and wildlife conservation. He hopes to continue the legacy left by his parents in protecting and preserving our natural environment. Through his own works involving wolves and other wild canids, he strives to empower people with knowledge that will lead to a better understanding of the resources we share with these
Aldo Leopold
Aldo Leopold was twenty-two-years-old when he graduated from Yale’s School of Forestry in 1909 and became an officer in the U.S. Forest Service. After witnessing a stunning and transformational moment of "green fire die" when he shot a mother wolf with her six pups at the foot of a mountain, Leopold reevaluated his perspective on land ecosystems and began advocating for preserving wilderness areas as well as for protecting wolves. This led to him becoming an early voice for returning wolves to Yellowstone National Park, a feat that was achieved in 1995. He was honored as the first naturally forming wolf pack was named the Leopold pack after himself. His revolutionary vision and passionate defense of wildlife ecology cemented his legacy as the father of conservationism. He wrote extensively, compiling a number of his essays in the 1949 book “A Sand County Almanac”. His work is now widely cited and continues to inspire generations of environmentalists. It's safe to say that without Aldo Leopold's influence, conservationism would not be what it is today.
Jim Brandenburg
Jim Brandenburg is a passionate environmentalist and renowned National Geographic wildlife photographer who has devoted the last 45 years to capturing the stunning beauty of nature, particularly wild wolves through his photography. Brandenburg uses his camera to tell a story more powerful than words - investing each shot with reverence for his subject. In one of his most celebrated projects, he discovered and documented a pack of Arctic wolves on Ellesmere Island in 1988. In a groundbreaking sequel, Brother Wolf: A Forgotten Promise, he focused on the lives of gray wolves near his home in Minnesota. His powerful narrative reverberated across the globe, raising awareness on the critically endangered species and leading to their reintroduction into Yellowstone Park. With decades of accomplishments in magazines, TV programs, books, and film projects, Brandenburg's remarkable talent for preserving nature's captivating wonders has earned him worldwide admiration, and inspired countless individuals to advocate for wolves.
Renee Askins
Renée Askins is a pioneering conservationist and wildlife advocate best known for her tireless fifteen-year campaign to restore wolves back to Yellowstone National Park. Her bold endeavor all began with her extraordinary connection to Natasha, a wolf cub she raised as part of her undergraduate research. Despite facing numerous obstacles in the form of death threats, Western ranchers and their political allies, she persevered with unwavering dedication and determination. Renée’s ambitious journey is captivatingly recounted in her memoir Shadow Mountain — an awe-inspiring and compelling story about rebuilding the ecological balance and recognizing our powerful connection to the wild.
Bruce Babbitt
Bruce Babbitt served as the Secretary of the Interior during the Clinton administration (1993-2001). During this time, he was instrumental in initiating the wolf reintroductions to Yellowstone National Park that have since gone on to achieve worldwide recognition. To this day, Bruce remains committed to educating and involving citizens in species conservation initiatives and speaks compellingly about the hard-won lessons of his efforts in Yellowstone - namely, the importance of explaining ecological change to the public and continuous grass root support throughout the process. His compelling voice and visionary leadership remind us that challenges can be overcome with persistent dedication. Bruce Babbitt is an inspiration to nature conservationists and public servants around the world.
Bob Landis
Bob Landis is an internationally renowned wildlife filmmaker, whose thrilling and awe-inspiring cinematography provides viewers with an up-close look at the natural world. For over 40 years, he has been capturing remarkable footage of the iconic species that inhabit Yellowstone National Park - a special place dear to his soul. With his holistic approach to documentary filmmaking, Bob’s films have won multiple awards and aired on networks such as PBS, Nature and National Geographic TV. Bob has created more than 20 incredible films and given us incredible insight into the lives of generations of wolves including the famous Druid Peak pack, 06, Hayden Valley pack, and so many others. He has dedicated his life to creating compelling visual stories that strike a chord in our hearts and make us think more deeply about the importance of protecting these remarkable animals.
Rick McIntyre
Rick McIntyre is a beloved retired National Park ranger and an esteemed authority on the behavior of wild wolves. His extensive forty years of fieldwork have granted him special insight into their lives, and his celebrated Alpha Wolves of Yellowstone series has earned him worldwide recognition - even from renowned primatologist Jane Goodall, who refers to him as “the ultimate guru of wolf behavior”. Through his writings, lectures, and non-profit initiatives, Rick is dedicated to fostering empathy for wolves and protecting them for future generations. He is a passionate storyteller who uses tales of his wolf observations to spread awareness about the importance of conservation. An acclaimed author of nine books, most recently, Rick has turned his focus to writing the award-winning Alpha Wolves of Yellowstone series profiling the lives and legacies of iconic park wolves. His commitment to wolves and education is extraordinary.
Doug Smith
For over 40 years, Doug Smith has immersed himself in the study of wolves. As the project biologist for the wolf reintroduction to Yellowstone National Park, he helped to spearhead what would become the most renowned wolf research program in the world, the Yellowstone Wolf Project. Leading the charge as project leader for 28 years until his retirement in 2022, Doug is a true trailblazer in his field. We owe him an immeasurable debt of gratitude for his invaluable research. His career and accomplishments have been a source of inspiration, and his impact on the field is incalculable. Doug is the author of several books on wolves and wolf reintroduction. His books have sold extensively throughout the world and are considered essential reading for anyone interested in understanding more about wolf behavior and ecology. He has also published numerous articles in various scientific publications, and his work has been featured on National Geographic and other media outlets. Doug's commitment to understanding wolves continues to have a lasting effect on our world. We owe him an immeasurable debt of gratitude for his invaluable contributions, including as a source of inspiration and admiration.
Mike Phillips
Mike Phillips has been a preeminent pioneer in wolf conservation and recovery for over four decades. His remarkable accomplishments include reintroducing the red wolf to the southeastern U.S. and leading the reintroduction of gray wolves to Yellowstone National Park. Mike's work and leadership have been recognized at national, regional, and local levels. With over 14 years as a Montana legislator and ongoing work as Executive Director of the Turner Endangered Species Fund since 1997, Phillips continues to be a leader in wildlife conservation initiatives today. He has authored or co-authored numerous books and publications and the recipient of The Wildlife Society's coveted Aldo Leopold Award for 2021. His work sets a gold standard for wildlife conservation that will remain as an inspiration in the years to come, and is a testament to the power of his dedication to preserving our planet's biodiversity. Without a doubt, Mike Phillips' legacy will be remembered for generations to come.
Mollie Beattie
As the first female Director of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Mollie Beattie's unwavering dedication paved the way for the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone National Park. Her courage led to a historic moment on January 12, 1995, when she personally helped carry the first wolf into the Crystal Creek acclimation pen. This momentous act symbolized her bravery and marked the beginning of a significant conservation effort. Though Mollie passed away on June 27, 1996, her legacy lives on. In 2010, the Crystal Creek wolf pack was renamed "Mollie's pack" in honor of her tireless efforts. This pack is the oldest pack in Yellowstone today and stands as a lasting tribute to her mission of restoring gray wolves to their natural habitat. Mollie's impact extended beyond wolf reintroduction. She tirelessly fought to protect endangered species and combat climate change. Her dedication to the environment has inspired generations of conservationists and will continue to do so.
Carter Niemeyer
As the head of the wolf-capture field crew, wildlife biologist Carter Niemeyer was instrumental in the effort to return wolves to Yellowstone National Park, and later coordinated the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service's efforts to recover wolves in Idaho. Witnessing first-hand the misguided fear that led to the devastation of wolves, he made it his mission to debunk myths and ensure their survival. Carter's powerful legacy includes two gripping memoirs, Wolfer and Wolf Land, and numerous inspiring speaking engagements. He is a passionate wolf advocate, who continues to work towards their protection and recovery. His immense contribution to conservation of wolves and other native species has earned him tremendous admiration among ecologists and wildlife advocates. Carter Niemeyer's life story serves as an example for others to follow, inspiring us all to protect our precious animal life.
Bill Clinton
Bill Clinton was president when serious recovery efforts began with the reintroduction of 66 wolves in Idaho and Yellowstone National Park over a two-year period. In August 1995, he visited Yellowstone National Park with his family, walking to the Rose Creek acclimation pen and leaving meat for the wolves there. According to Doug Smith, "The First Family was very much in awe of the wolves. Hilary and Chelsea repeated over and over how beautiful they were. The President was in very good spirits, very polite and unassuming. He considers the wolf reintroduction program in Yellowstone to be a great success for the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and should be made more visible to show the ESA does work.” His commitment towards restoring and protecting natural habitats continues to inspire us today.
We come from all over the world — joined together in the wish to make a bright future for wolves.
Our apologies to those we missed — please email us at info@the06legacy.com to be included!
