The natural distribution of wolves never reached as far south as the southern tip of this continent, yet there are wolves in South Africa ~ in captivity. It is thought to have been the South African Defence Force who originally imported them from North America in the 1970s. They allegedly wanted them for crossbreeding with German Shepherds and other large dog breeds, hoping this would produce a powerful, fear-inspiring crowd control dog. While these crossbreeding projects failed dismally, some of the original wolves ended up in zoos or private hands.
Wolves in SA?
All wolves found in South Africa today are South African bred, with their ancestry being the North American Grey Timber Wolf.
Though not indigenous to South Africa, wolves have managed to continue to survive, thanks to their high adaptability. However, the question is raised as to whether their survival here is beneficial to them. Having once enjoyed the freedom to roam vast plains in their homelands, they are now forced into captivity in South Africa ~ tied up in backyards, chained to ‘running wires’, or enclosed in electrified fenced dens. The sad reality is that we can NEVER send them back home! The wolves in our sanctuary have been brought up in domestic environments and they have no experience of living in the wild.
Wolves are being given away for adoption or sold, as owners no longer want them or can no longer care for them. Unscrupulous breeders, who continue to create hybrids for sale as exotic pets, exacerbate this problem. The Tsitsikamma Wolf Sanctuary was established as a result of wolf and wolf-dog owners not knowing what to do with their animals once they reach sexual maturity. We are taking responsibility where others are unable or unwilling to do so.
The wolf has been the notorious villain of fables, fairy stories and folklore for centuries, yet this highly intelligent and sociable animal has done little to warrant its terrifying reputation! Wolves are usually presented as being cunning, evil and conniving creatures. ‘cry wolf’, ‘wolf in sheep’s clothing’, ‘throw it to the wolves’, and ‘wolf at the door’ are all phrases that send a shiver up our spine and can instil fear in the heart of even the bravest. Through education, the Tsitsikamma Wolf Sanctuary hopes to change these perceptions, so that one can view wolves for the wonderful creatures they are. These beautiful animals carry characteristics that humans hold in high regard ~ strong family structures and the education of their young.
Wolf haven international in America has stated: ‘the proponents of these practices (the sale of wolves and hybrids) earn considerable financial gain from the exploitation of these animals and are thus unwilling to disclose the actual facts.’ ‘socialised or domesticated wolves can never and should never, under any circumstances, be returned to the wild.’ wolf scientists around the world echo this opinion.