#LoboWeek - Join the Movement!

On March 29, 1998, 11 captive-reared Mexican gray wolves (Canis lupus baileyi) were released to the wild for the first time in the Blue Range Recovery Area of Arizona and New Mexico. Missing from the landscape for more than 30 years, the howl of the rarest and most unique subspecies of gray wolf, was once again greeted by the mountains of the southwest. This month, marks the 15th anniversary of this historic event, a significant milestone for the lobo and wildlife conservation.

In recognition of the anniversary, the WCC is among the rapidly growing group of partners participating #LoboWeek, an international movement to educate people about the Mexican wolf or "lobo" and our efforts to successfully restore this critically endangered wolf to its ancestral home in the wild.

Become a Partner!
Starting March 23rd, we're enlisting Wildlife Organizations, Zoos, Advocacy Groups, Businesses, and individuals like you to come together with one common purpose - to raise awareness for the most genetically distinct subspecies of gray wolf in North America, the Mexican gray wolf.

#LoboWeek is harnessing the power of social media to broaden our reach to and create a national moment.  All week (March 23rd-30th)  #LoboWeek partners are dedicating time to the lobo on Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and other social media; offering information, fun facts, special events, contests and more.

How to become a partner
Please follow the steps below and also email maggie@nywolf.org so we can track how large our #LoboWeek pack is growing!

FACEBOOK during March 23 – 30:

1. Step One: Update your Facebook cover photo.  (the banner photo, not profile picture) to reflect something related to Lobo.  People can use their own photo or one of ours (See below *)
2. Step Two: Overlay the #LoboWeek  logo (it has a transparent background) on your cover photo.  Chris Cross of National Wolfwatcher Coalition was kind to create the logo for this effort.  (All rights are reserved by C. D. Cross -  it is a original design and permission is needed for additional use beyond this campaign)
   
   * Click here to download a cover photo already labeled with the logo (4 options to choose from)

3. Step Three:  A commitment help raise awareness for the lobo by posting, sharing, and educating on your Facebook page.
    

TWITTER during March 23 – 30:

1. We connect on Twitter by using #LoboWeek on all lobo related tweets
2. Retweeting partner’s tweets is a great way to show that our mission to educate people is united effort.
    

The Lobo List - 15 Reasons Why the Lobo Should Remain Protected
On March 20, 2013 the Arizona Game and Fish Commission voted to support a letter written by Senators Hatch (R-Utah) and Lummis (R-Wyo), a decision that could prove devastating for the recovery of the critically endangered Mexican gray wolf (Canis lupus baileyi). In a unanimous decision, the commission voted to back an effort by Western lawmakers to strip federal protections for gray wolves nationwide.  It is feared this move would include the rarest and most genetically distinct subspecies of gray wolf in North America, the lobo.

In honor of the lobo's 15th anniversary since its return to the wild, we're asking supporters to list 15 reasons why the lobo should remain protected. We encourage participants to be creative! Lists can be as simple as a grocery list or even in video format! Please send your lists with a photo to maggie@nywolf.org and we'll share your creations on the WCC Facebook Page and/or the WCC website. We also encourage supporters to send their Lobo Lists to their U.S. representative. Not sure of your congressional district or who your member is? Visit http://www.house.gov/representatives/find/ to determine your congressional district and your member's website and contact page.

#Loco4Lobo Mini Campaign during March 23 – 30:

1. In the same vein as Keep Michigan Wolves Protected’s “Kids for Pups” campaign (http://action.keepwolvesprotected.com/page/s/kids-for-pups) we can all provide a sheet with:

“I’m ____________, and I’m Loco for Lobos!"  We can cross post photos sent in and use hashtag #loco4lobo if tweeting said photos. If anyone has an artist on board to design this or a graphic on hand that would work please share! These activities are quite popular and effective in engaging with supporters of all ages.

PRESS BLITZ!
This anniversary gives us all the perfect excuse to contact  local or national press.  Here is a sample PR to start with if you wish. We all have diverse relationships with lobo recovery so we can offer the press varied points of view!  Not only is the anniversary an opportunity for press about the lobo, it’s also a good reason to offer the press news about your participation in the campaign and lobo recovery, and the recovery program itself, and your organization. Orgs hosting breeding pairs or upcoming release candidates will have a special story to share.

Other and all ideas welcome! Just email  maggie@nywolf.org.

Please share the campaign with any other orgs/individuals you think would be interested in participating! Imagine if this campaign could become an annual event.

source-Wolf Conservation Center

Please pass this info along via Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and any other social media site! Your participation WILL make a difference. Thank you!