Wolf Release in Blue Primitive Area

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From White Mountain Conservation League information page:

Two Mexican gray wolves who once lived at the Endangered Wolf Center are about to make history. Wesley and Ernesta were released into the Blue Range Wolf Recovery Area of Arizona last Thursday, putting them just one step from becoming the first Mexican gray wolf pack to be released into the wild since 2008. As a breeding pair, they are considered a wolf pack, and Ernesta is pregnant. With only 75 Mexican gray wolves in the wild, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's 2012 census, this is a huge event. The mothers of Wesley (Madre) and Ernesta (Anna) both still live at the Endangered Wolf Center. Last week’s release into the Blue Range Wolf Recovery Area was filmed for the “Saving a Species” series produced by Sea World and Busch Gardens. Three members of our staff were on hand to witness the historic occasion: Virginia Busch, Executive Director; Regina Mossotti, Director of Animal Care; and Karen Nichols, Education Assistant. Wesley and Ernesta are taking part in what is known as a “soft release,” meaning they will be held in a large enclosure until they become acclimated to their surroundings. From there, they will truly move into the wild. According to the Arizona Game and Fish Department, the USFWS will also release a second pair of Mexican wolves into part of the Blue Range Wolf Recovery Area in New Mexico. The recovery area straddles the two states.