Youth’s mission encourages fundraising for Wolves at the Virginia Living Museum

By thevlm In Press Releases

Newport News, VA (June 27, 2018) – Save My Mascot teamed up with Winterpock Elementary School to help raise $750 for the red wolves at the Virginia Living Museum.

Founded by 6-year-old Owen Riese and his dad, Brian, SaveMyMascot.org recruits elementary, middle and high schools with wolf mascots to help save endangered Red Wolves and Mexican Gray Wolves. Each school is paired with a zoo or conservation group that partners with the Association of Zoos and Aquarium’s Special Survival Plans (SSPs) for Red Wolves and Mexican Gray Wolves.

The Virginia Living Museum participates in this federal survival program to reintroduce red wolves into the wild.

In colonial times, red wolves ranged throughout the southeast. Today they are the most endangered mammal in North America. The Museum is the closest facility to Alligator River, the only place in the country where red wolves currently live in the wild.

“It’s inspiring to see young minds actively engaged in the future of our endangered species population. Owen’s platform shares his passion and inspires others to take initiative. This creates a lasting impact and advances conservation education.” said Rebecca Kleinhample, VLM Executive Director.

Aside from red wolves, the Museum exhibits nine other animals that are on either federal or state endangered or threatened lists including loggerhead sea turtles, bald eagles, and the eastern glass lizard.

Conservation work like SaveMyMascot.org helps sustain and restore endangered wildlife populations.