The following statement was posted 10/23/00 by the Board of Directors for the Wolf Education and Research Center (WERC). Numerous issues needed to be addressed; however, the most prominant and serious issue of the pack-handler was totally avoided.

Please read the statement after which I will give you "facts" on what has occurred at this center within a short 12 month period.

Like most non-profit organizations, the Wolf Education and Research Center (WERC) was born from the passion and vision of a group of like-minded individuals. In 1992, that vision was the return of the gray wolf to its historic place in the Northern Rocky Mountains. For that dream to become a reality, a significant commitment of time, energy, and money would be required.

Critical to a successful reintroduction program would be public education which dispelled old myths and emphasized the important role of the wolf in a healthy ecosystem Along with many other organizations and individuals, WERC, its members and friends, played a vital role in bringing the gray wolf back to Idaho.

In 1997, with the opening to the public of the Visitors' Center in Winchester, Idaho, WERC expanded its vision for education, following its assumption of responsibility for the care of the Sawtooth Pack, a captive wolf pack that had been the subject of two award-winning documentary films by filmmaker Jim Dutcher. WERC's partnership with the Nez Perce Tribal Nation made this move to tribal lands possible.

The pack is now known as Sawtooth Pack; Wolves of the Nez Perce. The development of the Visitors' Center made possible expanded education and cultural programs.

At that time it was WERC's vision that the Winchester site would not be only a wolf sanctuary, but also a dynamic living classroom, where the pack would live out their lives in an environment as close to a wild experience as we could provide. The pack would teach us daily about their species, and thus about ourselves. It was hoped the three pups would grow and successfully integrate into the pack.

From the day the Center opened we have observed leadership, teamwork, patience, curiosity, communication, perseverance, strategy, loyalty, play and change among the pack members. We have also observed aggression and death, which are difficult for humans to accept. Aggression and death in a wolf pack are natural and inevitable, but the more recent deaths of Kamots and Wyakin left us filled with sadness and seeking answers.

We are continually learning more of the intricacies of this pack's hierarchy, which now is based on a pack of fully mature wolves. We have learned that in spite of their socialization with humans, as captive wolves they still undergo a great amount of unnatural stress when compared to life in the wild. Drastic and sometimes aggressive behaviors can be related to their unnatural lifestyle

In order not to just survive, but to be vigorous and healthy, organizations like WERC must continually grow and evolve to meet the ever-changing needs and challenges it faces in fulfillment of its mission. The health and well being of the pack has always been the overriding priority of the Board and staff of WERC. It is our duty to ensure that the members of the Nez Perce Pack not just survive, but thrive as well. Over the past six months, the current members of the Board have come together with a shared vision for the future of WERC.

Very serious financial circumstances have required difficult decisions to be made, including a significant reduction in paid staff. A new direction has been set and plans implemented to enhance our fund raising efforts. And most difficult, but most critical, an evolutionary change in the organizationís philosophy and policies regarding human interaction and intervention with pack has taken place.

At the June 24 & 25, 2000 board meeting it was realized that the board needed to change from a non-intervention policy to one of an intervention policy in order to reflect the desire of current membership and changing pack dynamics. By unanimous decision at the September 16 & 17, 2000 board meeting, an interim intervention policy was adopted. Under this policy of intervention, the health and safety of an individual pack member will prevail over the original objective of keeping the wolves together as one pack.

This change will require a great deal of informed judgment in determining if a wolf is to be removed from the pack because of aggressive behavior, whether as aggressor or victim. A team of advisors has been identified, including wolf handlers, biologists and veterinarians, to assist in this assessment and decision-making process.

Matsi, who became the omega male after the overthrow of Kamots, recently sustained injuries resulting from pack aggression that required surgery. Matsi has been moved to the one-acre enclosure on site, underwent successful surgery, and is recovering well. The search for the escaped Chemukh continues; when captured, she will be placed in the enclosure with Matsi.

A second one to two-acre enclosure is in the planning stages with bids for fencing being accepted in order that we may accommodate future needs. Piyip, the youngest male, appears to be the lead aggressor of the pack and is being monitored closely. His separation from the pack may be necessary for the safety of other pack members.

Steps have also been taken to increase and broaden regular socialization with the pack by WERC staff, interns and volunteers.

We believe this evolution in pack care philosophy and increased socialization does not jeopardize fulfillment of the WERC mission; rather, this change enhances WERCís ability to maintain the pack, while continuing its public education programs. It is education promoting the acceptance of their wild brothers and sisters that gives meaning to the packís captivity.

We are grateful to the many individuals who have provided invaluable information and recommendations during this time, and to the Nez Perce Tribe for their commitment to the pack, wild wolf recovery, and future cultural programs with WERC.

We feel privileged to have come to know these wolves as individuals, and hope many more members and friends of WERC will plan to visit Winchester. To be in their presence on sacred Nez Perce tribal lands is a profound experience to be treasured for a lifetime.

Today, we continue to mourn the deaths of Kamots and Wyakin, but know within our hearts that those we love are never really gone.

For even though their earthly lives have passed, they leave behind a profound and meaningful legacy as their spirits go forth, finally free, and journey on in the circle of life. They light our path ahead. Your support and encouragement are deeply appreciated, and as always are essential to achieving our commitments to the wolves.

Thank you for being with us in our efforts.

Sincerely,
The Board of Directors

Weyekin - Captive Sawtooth Pack Omega - died 10/15/99 after suffering "needlessly" for 9 days...

Starting about 10/6 or 10/7 Weyekin was seen favoring/chewing on her paw. In the pack handlers' (Jeremy Heft) opinion, that was her attempt to somehow get the pack to lessen their aggression on her. Signals were noted, but misinterpreted and not acted upon.

A week or so earlier WERC had a very unfortunate experience with a visitor who was extremely upset upon seeing Weyekin's physical injuries. Alarm bells should have gone off throughout WERC to make sure that EXTRA care and attention was afforded to Weyekin - not only to be responsible to and for the animal, but to avoid a potentially ugly backlash of public opinion.

A few days after Jeremy's "revelation" about the reason for her biting her paw, on Sunday, Oct. 10, Megan discovered a physical abnormality in Weyekin's stomach area and registered concern. The entire issue was then left in the lap of only Jeremy until (and if) he elected to tell someone else?

When did Jeremy report the medical problem that Megan found to his superiors? I believe it could have been as late as Wednesday? - three days after Megan reported it to him, and perhaps a week or more after the paw issue was noted (and was not correctly diagnosed or acted upon). Jeremy had been reprimanded only a week before that for not reporting the initial paw-biting concern to former Executive Director? If so, and he repeated the non-reporting error - and Weyekin is now dead - then could someone please explain why Jeremy is still on staff? I'd like some assurances that the support that we (and others) give to WERC goes toward the betterment of the pack - not to justify and accept repeated errors.

What was done by anyone after they were made aware of the situation? Is it true that NO qualified and fully accredited veterinarian actually visited the site to physically evaluate Weyekin - that all diagnoses (outside of Megan's) were made over the phone, based solely on input from Jeremy (who has questionable - if any - credentials) and former Executive Director (who has essentially no hands-on experience with the animals)? Since the primary veterinarian was unfortunately out-of-town, is there no backup plan, or is the plan to leave life-threatening decisions up to Jeremy?

The answer to the above questions are "YES" - Weyekin, pack omega and the sweetest wolf of this captive pack - died after suffering "needlessly" for 9 days with what humans refer to as "constipation" (a bowel blockage VERIFIED by the necropsy report). IF the symptoms of listlessness, not eating, remaining hidden from the pack and "handler", paw-biting, and the noted alert of stomach abnormality on Megans' behalf had been acted upon by Jeremy Heft (responsible, qualified, concerned, caring and capable pack handler) and a qualified veterinarian brought to Weyekin OR her taken to them - this wolf would be alive today!!!

Was Jeremy Heft upset over this loss - not in the least. Instead, Jeremy said "there was nothing wrong with Weyekin" - that statement later changed to "our policy with the pack is non-intervention".....which is it? Either way - the lies were told and changed to suit the situation.

On the death notice of Weyekin it states "Spirit Flown" --- died of natural causes. Yes, constipation is a normal fact of life HOWEVER proper medication administered by a qualified veterinarian could have prevented her death..... ONLY IF she had been given proper medical attention when the problems were first noted ~ Weyekin would still be with us today. Can you imagine the pain Weyekin endured as the toxins from this bowel blockage built up and emitted into her system? Laying alone - still subject to pack aggression as was her role in the pack - but even worse at the mercy of a pack handler that could have cared less what she was going through? Jeremy Heft - responsible pack handler? Unfortunately for Weyekin - Jeremy Heft did not consider her laying alone for 9 long suffering days serious enough to have emergency care brought in.

Weyekin was "allowed" to die a slow and painful death. WERC's death notice states, "She had gotten sick only a few days before." You be the judge - did this wolf have to die?

NOTE: During this entire inhumane treatment, many concerned individuals were corresponding and keeping consistent phone contact with the former Executive Director of WERC. Following is a portion of just one of the letters forwarded by Tom Beno sharing serious concerns about the health and well-being of this pack. (FYI, Jeremy Hefts' girlfriend not only lives on-site, but is permitted to roam freely throughout the WERC site and within the enclosure with the wolves).....

"Although some of the details were still hazy back then (re: my 10/18/99 message), they're abundantly clear now. Weyekin was "allowed" to die a slow and painful death because there weren't (aren't) safeguards in place to prevent it. She wasn't taken to a qualified veterinarian, nor was one brought in to examine her for over NINE DAYS. How would that look under the category "This is how we care for our wolves?" Weyekin died because WERC didn't prevent it. No vet exam, inadequate care for her malady, no treatment for her pain, no appropriate decision-making by those charged with her well-being. In a nutshell - mismanagement.

There are ten more (live) wolves that are entrusted to WERC. I won't sit back and "hope" that changes are made to improve their care. Weyekin died because WERC - primarily Jeremy - made ill-formed judgements (because he's not qualified), and his superior didn't take the steps to INSURE that she was given the best possible care. ALWAYS. As a result of that mismanagement, Weyekin is dead. Start with Jeremy, but the chain of fault does not stop there. I'd like to hear what changes are being made to prevent another wolf death like Weyekin's. WERC gave the reins of control to Jeremy, his (non-existent) credentials have been challenged before, [former Exec. Director] has (multiple times) committed that Jeremy would be dismissed, yet Jeremy (and his girl friend) are still in the middle of things, and now Weyekin is dead. Does no one see the connection? ..... Tom Beno"

Kamots - On June 19, 2000. the body of Kamots, the former alpha-male of the Sawtooth pack:Wolves of the Nez Perce, was discovered within the twenty-acre enclosure in Winchester, Idaho

Though rotting flesh was smelled by others - the capable and responsible pack handler - Jeremy Heft - refused to (1) return from his 6 week vacation; and (2) would not allow anyone to enter the enclosure to look for Kamots.

WERC pack "caretaker" was on vacation and refused to return as the crisis developed, even after "assuring" WERC personnel that qualified people were available and adequate backup plans were in place to "justify" his six-week vacation. That was obviously a lie.

Pack structure was/is still in a state of flux, feeding routine was disrupted and changed (chickens tossed over the fence?), several wolves were/are exhibiting unusual behavior (climbing a tree?), the prior assistant pack handler was too fearful - especially of Amani - to go into the enclosure herself as Jeremy will not allow anyone but himself to bond with the pack - yet the pack "caretaker" felt it was OK to jet off to Pennsylvania for six weeks. Then when he was made aware of Kamots apparent death (due to Kamots long disappearance, not at feedings, and the smell of rotting flesh), he refused to return and live up to his responsibilities to the Pack and to the organization. So why is he still employed as the "wolf man" with WERC???

When asked why he (Jeremy) didn't return to WERC when told of the Kamots problem, he said - several times - "There was no crisis, no emergency." (The suspected death of one of ten remaining wolves in his care - the former pack alpha male - isn't a crisis?) Contrary to reports, smells of decaying flesh, other observations and recommendations by people on-site, Jeremy Heft "justified" his refusal to return to Idaho by claiming that there was "No conclusive evidence" that Kamots was dead. He repeated that denial several times.

Now --- ANOTHER dead wolf. When was Kamots found dead?" (June 19). "When was it first suspected?" (June 3 - or before). "Why did it take (more than) 16 days to find out?" "When was the pack caretaker made aware?" (June 9 - or before). "When was he on-site? (June 18). "What took so long?" There is no remorse on Jeremy's part, no agreement that he should have immediately changed his plans to tend to the Kamots/WERC issue, no belief that he did anything improper, no reason to change anything in his behavior.

WERCs' death notice: "His death was quick and unexpected." Unfortunately, no one will ever know this for sure as Kamots' body was near-total deterioration/destruction when the care taker (Jeremy) returned and the body was found. The one "fact" that has bothered me all along is that Jeremy assured WERC that backup was in place for any emergency.....YET no one was permitted (per Jeremy Heft) to enter the enclosure during his absence. This being the case --- ALL THE MORE REASON he should have "immediately" returned to the pack when notified about Kamots absence.

Now - Kamots is dead and the same unguided, unqualified and uncapable pack handler (Jeremy Heft) reigns over what is left of the Sawtooth Pack of the Nez Perce at Wolf Education and Research Center. Does this bother you?

BREAKING NEWS: Wolf Escape at the WERC!

Wolf Decides She's Had Enough

Picked-on female makes daring escape at Winchester; she's not considered dangerous and is expected to return

by Eric Barker - Lewiston News Tribune
October 10, 2000

Officials hope a submissive wolf that made an acrobatic escape from a 20-acre enclosure near Winchester will return on her own.

The wolf, known as Chemukh, is not considered to be a threat to people, pets or livestock. She escaped from the enclosure at the Wolf Education and Research Center Friday and has been seen infrequently since.

But pack manager Jeremy Heft said it's likely she has stayed in the general vicinity of the enclosure.

"I am pretty confident it is only a matter of time before she comes back to a familiar area," he said.

Chemukh is the omega female of the Sawtooth Pack, Wolves of the Nez Perce. The pack was formerly owned by filmmaker Jim Dutcher, who raised and filmed the wolves near Stanley and later turned the care of the pack over to the non-profit foundation. The wolves were moved from their home in the Sawtooth Valley to an enclosure on land owned by the Nez Perce Tribe.

The term omega denotes Chemukh's position as the lowest-ranking member of the pack. She has no developed hunting skills and will likely run from any humans she does not recognize.

Heft said the crew of the wolf center has searched the area and is trying to lure her back with food.

He hopes her capture will only be a matter opening the gate when she appears and letting her walk into the enclosure. But hefty is prepared to sedate her with a dart gun if necessary.

The wolf mystified Heft and others when she scaled the 12-foot fence surrounding the enclosure despite a one-foot overhang and an electric charge running through the fence.

"She is known as being one of the more agile members of the pack, but she defied everything that we know about as far as wolves getting out of enclosures," said Heft.

Chemukh scaled the only portion of the enclosure that is not double fenced. It appeared to an intern, who witnessed the escape, that she was spooked by the rest of the pack and driven by fear.

Omega wolves typically serve as an outlet for the pent-up energy common in captive packs. In the wild, omega wolves are the lowest-ranking members of the wolf caste system. But that position is probably amplified in captivity, according to Heft.

When the wolves become agitated, they often use dominance against each other as an outlet. For example when they hear a dog barking the distance or a deer scurries past the edge of the enclosure, they naturally become excited. To release their excitement, the animals will typically rough up a fellow pack member. The omega wolves receive the brunt of the aggression and at the same time have no way to release their own angst.

They are usually the sponge that absorbs a lot of the pack's energy," said Heft.

Plans are in the works to secure the enclosure against future breakouts. Heft called captive wolfs "escape artists" but said the enclosure was considered to be escape proof.

"She really defied the odds," he said.

Chemukh is mostly black but has a silver gray abdomen and white patch on her chest. Her muzzle is silver and her eyes yellow. Her tail is black and will be held low or in a horizontal position while running. She has an open wound on her rump typical of captive omega wolves. She weighs about 70 pounds, is shy and will not approach an unfamiliar human.

People who see the wolf are asked to alert the wolf center at (208) 924-6960. She was seen shortly after the escape but there have been no confirmed sightings since.

After being in this enclosure for almost 5 years, Chemukh suddenly and without reason decides to perform the impossible and scale a 30 foot fence with an over-hang. A place where she has spent most of her life and never once tried to get away. All done as an assistant caretaker (trained by Jeremy Heft) watched in disbelief. However, Heft recovered from his grief of losing yet another wolf quick enough to tell the media "she really defied all odds"!!!

One can only go on assumption here. However, looking over the disasterous events of the last 12 months, I would feel Chemukh was very unhappy, extremely stressed and simply looked for an escape from the miserable life she was leading.

October 25, 2000: Chemukh still has not been found, Jeremy is still pack "care"taker, and Weyekin and Kamots are still dead.

Matsi received life-saving operation.

Matsi assuming the lowest role in the pack would climb a tree to escape pack aggression by positioning himself in a backward position in a fallen tree. Matsi could both avoid injury from pack aggression and protect himself at the same time.

An injury received as a result of pack aggression (in the groin area) risked serious infection. With the blessing of the non-intervention policy being changed - Matsi now was able to receive surgery, thereby saving his life from possible serious infection setting in.

Do you see a disturbing pattern here? 12 months - one handler....Jeremy Heft - 2 dead wolves - 1 escapee - and one requiring surgery escaping pack aggression. What was once a happy place for this pack has become an area of tension and stress. This stress is fueling pack aggression. When we as humans are at our limit, we usually find a place to vent our frustrations ~~~ these wolves cannot. The only option left open to them is to attack the lowest wolf in the pack. Can this continue?

Readers can decide for themselves if this revolting situation should be allowed to continue - at the risk of even more disasters in the future.

Phone number for WERC in Winchester, ID: 208-924-6960

President of the Board of Directors: Doug Christensen 1DMC@sunvalley.net
Winchester Manager/Consultant: Mitch Silvers msilvers@camasnet.com

Board of Directors:
Roy & Sally Farrar wolfstar@rmci.net
Linda Puglise Purewolf1@juno.com
Sharon Lander werctreasurer@aol.com
Justin Gould JustinG@NezPerce.org