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California Wolf Center's executive director, Christine Barton, is quick to note that no wolves have ever been reintroduced into California through the program, known as AZA SAFE (Association of Zoos and Aquariums Saving Animals from Extinction). Barton says that all of the wolves that make up the ten current packs living in the state arrived through natural dispersal, crossing borders from other states — a reassuring advancement that still faces challenges with regard to territory and establishing ways for wolves and humans to coexist for the benefit of all, as well as the environment. "at's part of our big mission at the California Wolf Center," says Barton. "Just knowing that our apex predators make a huge difference in the ecosystem, and they are important to the landscape." She notes the positive impact of their health in areas like Yellowstone, where she says bringing them back has improved waterways, growth, and helped manage elk populations. "Everything gets a little bit more balanced when you allow your wildlife to be there," she says. ough the AZA SAFE program considers all participating wolves candidates for release, including those residing at California Wolf Center, many have grown beyond breeding age. ese animals are then subjects in other programs, including genetic studies that utilize artificial intelligence, or they become ambassadors — like California Wolf Center residents or and Durango. Visitors are welcome at California Wolf Center, where guests, private groups, and schools can book guided tours for the unique opportunity to see these beautiful ambassadors of the species and witness instinctive wolf behaviors up close. At the center's annual fundraiser, "Wolves & Wine," last month, Barton announced a new, $2.5 million capital campaign, "Guardians of the Wild," created to secure funding for the purchase of a nearby property for a drastic expansion of California Wolf Center that will include a new visitor center, enhanced habitats for the center's resident wolves, and new enclosures to add other local apex predators including mountain lions, bobcats, and coyotes. e goal, says Barton, is "to expand our impact, elevate our mission, and still focus on coexistence between people and native predators," and when complete, it will be a place where visitors can "see them, learn about them, appreciate them, and learn to how to coexist with them." californiawolfcenter.org Focus philanthropy << ranchandcoast.com 46 DECEMBER 2025 RANCH & COAST MAGAZINE CALIFORNIA WOLF CENTER: COURTESY PHOTOGRAPHY CALIFORNIA WOLF CENTER: COURTESY PHOTOGRAPHY