North American Bear Center, Dorothy Molter Museum and International Wolf Center are back open, albeit with some changes
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Three of Ely’s biggest tourist attractions are open to the public after temporarily closing because of the pandemic. The Dorothy Molter Museum, the International Wolf Center and the North American Bear Center have all opened their doors.
Each organization has needed to make adjustments to its daily schedule, of course. Each facility has instituted new cleaning protocols, some also require masks and advance ticket purchases.
After all the changes, though, the experience within each facility is just as memorable as always.
Scott Edgett, the Senior Director of Operations at the bear center, said the response from the public has been incredibly positive so far.
“There have been a lot of changes behind the scenes, but we’re hearing from our visitors that the experience here isn’t diminished at all,” he said. “I’m so proud of the staff here that’s managed to adapt to this new normal.”
At the International Wolf Center and the Dorothy Molter Museum, a new online ticketing system will help ensure there aren’t too many visitors at any one time. The system also makes it possible for visitors to be guaranteed entry after they purchase those advance tickets.
“Moving to the online ticketing system is going to be the biggest adjustment for our visitors,” said Dorothy Molter Museum Executive Director Jess Edberg. “Since we have to limit our capacity to comply with the governor’s orders, this system should help visitors rest easy knowing that they will be able to get in as long as they purchase those advance tickets.”
While each organization was closed, staff members worked hard to get ready for reopening. Sinks were changed to touchless models, as were soap dispensers and hand dryers/towel dispensers. Hand sanitizing stations were tracked down and purchased, which wasn’t easy considering many other organizations were looking for the very same thing. With all of those new safety features in place, doors are reopening.
“We’re so relieved that we’ve been able to come up with solutions that keep our visitors and our staff as safe as possible,” said International Wolf Center Interpretive Center Manager Krista Harrington. “I know that everyone at the Dorothy Molter Museum and the bear center have been hard at work on the same thing.”
All three facilities plan frequent cleaning and sanitizing throughout each day, and each implemented its own Covid-19 preparedness operations plan based on state requirements.
Here’s more information on how each facility plans to operate for the time being:
Dorothy Molter Museum
Advance tickets, available online or by phone, are required for admission to the Dorothy Molter Museum, which celebrates the life of Dorothy Molter. Molter operated the Isle of Pines Resort from 1948 until 1986 and made tens of thousands of bottles of root beer for Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness paddlers.
She lived at the resort year-round. The museum honors her legacy with several of the cabins from her property on site, as well as countless photographs and many of her belongings.
One-hour time slots are available from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m., seven days a week. There is a limit of 10 visitors on-site at any one time.
Masks are required. Disposable masks are available in the gift shop for $1.
Hand sanitizer is available on site.
Changes may be made to this schedule, so visitors should watch the museum’s website for the latest information.
More information about the Dorothy Molter Museum can be found at rootbeerlady.com or by calling (218) 365-4451.
International Wolf Center
Advance tickets are required for admission to the International Wolf Center, too. They are for sale online at wolf.org or by phone.
The Center features a live pack of ambassador wolves, exhibits and lecture-style programs in an auditorium setting.
The Center is open for members only from 8 a.m. until 10 a.m. seven days a week. From 10 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. is general admission. The Center closes between 3:30 and 4 p.m. for a cleaning, then limited group admission is available from 4 to 5 p.m.
Masks are required. Disposable masks are available in the gift shop for $1 and hand sanitizer stations are available.
Changes may be made to this schedule in the coming weeks and months, so visitors should watch the Center’s website for the latest information.
More information about the International Wolf Center can be found at wolf.org or by calling 218-365-4695.
North American Bear Center
The North American Bear Center is open daily from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. The bear center will operate at 25 percent of its visitor capacity, or 65 people.
Staff will wear masks and cleaning and sanitizing public spaces throughout the day. Hand sanitizer is available. Visitors are encouraged to practice proper social distancing, too.
Changes may be made to this schedule in the coming weeks and months, so visitors should watch the center’s website for the latest information.
More information on the North American Bear Center can be found at bear.org or 218-365-7879.
Important data security notification
The International Wolf Center, like numerous other nonprofits, recently became aware of a data security incident that may have involved some of our donor and membership information.
What happened?
We were recently notified by our database service provider, Blackbaud Inc., of a global security incident impacting many nonprofits. At this time, we understand they discovered and stopped a ransomware attack. After discovering the attack, Blackbaud’s Cyber Security team—together with independent forensics experts and law enforcement— successfully prevented the cybercriminal from blocking their system access and fully encrypting files; and ultimately expelled them from the system.
What kind of information was involved?
A very limited amount of information may have been involved.
This information did include:
Names
Addresses
This information may include:
Giving history including memberships and donations
This information did not include:
Credit card information
Bank account information
Social security numbers
Based on the nature of the incident, its internal research and a law enforcement investigation, Blackbaud has said they have no reason to believe the information was or will be misused. A full description of the incident is available on the Blackbaud website. The International Wolf Center does not collect and store any social security or bank account information.
What we’re doing
Protecting your information is something we take very seriously. Since learning of this incident, we have been working with Blackbaud to understand the scope of the ransomware attack and the steps it is taking to prevent future data security incidents. We have evaluated Blackbaud’s security protocols and feel confident it has taken the appropriate action to further protect the information entrusted to it.
What You Can Do
Again, no credit card, bank account, or other sensitive information of that nature was compromised, to our knowledge. However, as a best practice, we recommend you remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activity or suspected identity theft to us and to the proper law enforcement authorities such as the Federal Trade Commission, and the Office of the Minnesota State Attorney General.
For More Information
We sincerely apologize for this incident and regret any inconvenience it may cause you. Should you have any further questions or concerns regarding this matter and/or the protections available to you, please do not hesitate to contact: Hilary Smith, Development Director, by email or 763-233-7135.
Wolves and water
Colorado Springs Editorial: Don’t hand wildlife management to the wolves
From the Colorado Springs Gazette:
It’s a familiar political face-off. On one side are environmental and animal-rights groups attempting to micromanage wildlife policies with a well-intended, ill-informed proposal at the ballot box.
On the other side are the people who know the land and its biodiversity — among them, ranchers and others in agriculture; the outdoors economy and its many enthusiasts, and of course the wildlife biologists, game wardens and regulators officially charged with the welfare of the animals that inhabit public lands and waterways.
Click here to read the whole editorial.
Setting it straight
Three of Ely’s biggest attractions have reopened
North American Bear Center, Dorothy Molter Museum and International Wolf Center are back open, albeit with some changes
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Three of Ely’s biggest tourist attractions are open to the public after temporarily closing because of the pandemic. The Dorothy Molter Museum, the International Wolf Center and the North American Bear Center have all opened their doors.
Each organization has needed to make adjustments to its daily schedule, of course. Each facility has instituted new cleaning protocols, some also require masks and advance ticket purchases.
After all the changes, though, the experience within each facility is just as memorable as always.
Scott Edgett, the Senior Director of Operations at the bear center, said the response from the public has been incredibly positive so far.
“There have been a lot of changes behind the scenes, but we’re hearing from our visitors that the experience here isn’t diminished at all,” he said. “I’m so proud of the staff here that’s managed to adapt to this new normal.”
At the International Wolf Center and the Dorothy Molter Museum, a new online ticketing system will help ensure there aren’t too many visitors at any one time. The system also makes it possible for visitors to be guaranteed entry after they purchase those advance tickets.
“Moving to the online ticketing system is going to be the biggest adjustment for our visitors,” said Dorothy Molter Museum Executive Director Jess Edberg. “Since we have to limit our capacity to comply with the governor’s orders, this system should help visitors rest easy knowing that they will be able to get in as long as they purchase those advance tickets.”
While each organization was closed, staff members worked hard to get ready for reopening. Sinks were changed to touchless models, as were soap dispensers and hand dryers/towel dispensers. Hand sanitizing stations were tracked down and purchased, which wasn’t easy considering many other organizations were looking for the very same thing. With all of those new safety features in place, doors are reopening.
“We’re so relieved that we’ve been able to come up with solutions that keep our visitors and our staff as safe as possible,” said International Wolf Center Interpretive Center Manager Krista Harrington. “I know that everyone at the Dorothy Molter Museum and the bear center have been hard at work on the same thing.”
All three facilities plan frequent cleaning and sanitizing throughout each day, and each implemented its own Covid-19 preparedness operations plan based on state requirements.
Here’s more information on how each facility plans to operate for the time being:
Dorothy Molter Museum
Advance tickets, available online or by phone, are required for admission to the Dorothy Molter Museum, which celebrates the life of Dorothy Molter. Molter operated the Isle of Pines Resort from 1948 until 1986 and made tens of thousands of bottles of root beer for Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness paddlers.
She lived at the resort year-round. The museum honors her legacy with several of the cabins from her property on site, as well as countless photographs and many of her belongings.
One-hour time slots are available from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m., seven days a week. There is a limit of 10 visitors on-site at any one time.
Masks are required. Disposable masks are available in the gift shop for $1.
Hand sanitizer is available on site.
Changes may be made to this schedule, so visitors should watch the museum’s website for the latest information.
More information about the Dorothy Molter Museum can be found at rootbeerlady.com or by calling (218) 365-4451.
International Wolf Center
Advance tickets are required for admission to the International Wolf Center, too. They are for sale online at wolf.org or by phone.
The Center features a live pack of ambassador wolves, exhibits and lecture-style programs in an auditorium setting.
The Center is open for members only from 8 a.m. until 10 a.m. seven days a week. From 10 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. is general admission. The Center closes between 3:30 and 4 p.m. for a cleaning, then limited group admission is available from 4 to 5 p.m.
Masks are required. Disposable masks are available in the gift shop for $1 and hand sanitizer stations are available.
Changes may be made to this schedule in the coming weeks and months, so visitors should watch the Center’s website for the latest information.
More information about the International Wolf Center can be found at wolf.org or by calling 218-365-4695.
North American Bear Center
The North American Bear Center is open daily from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. The bear center will operate at 25 percent of its visitor capacity, or 65 people.
Staff will wear masks and cleaning and sanitizing public spaces throughout the day. Hand sanitizer is available. Visitors are encouraged to practice proper social distancing, too.
Changes may be made to this schedule in the coming weeks and months, so visitors should watch the center’s website for the latest information.
More information on the North American Bear Center can be found at bear.org or 218-365-7879.
For the first time since March, the International Wolf Center is opening its doors to the public.
The Center will reopen at 8 a.m. Monday, June 22.
By Chad Richardson
Communications Director
International Wolf Center
651-214-4989
chad@wolf.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For the first time since March, the International Wolf Center is opening its doors to the public. The Center will reopen at 8 a.m. Monday, June 22.
Several changes are planned at the Center to ensure everyone’s safety during the Covid-19 pandemic. The biggest change is that tickets must be purchased in advance to ensure there’s enough space within the facility at any given time. Tickets can be purchased online at wolf.org.
Those without internet access can also purchase tickets by calling the Center at 218-365-4695.
There is a small convenience fee that is added to the ticket price whether purchasing online or over the phone.
Masks are required for all visitors. For those who don’t own a mask, they will be available for a suggested donation of $1 at the door.
“We can’t wait to open our doors back up and start teaching about wolves again,” said Krista Harrington, the Interpretive Center Manager. “Since we closed in March, we’ve all been working incredibly hard to prepare to reopen. Finally, that day is almost here.”
The daily schedule looks like this:
This schedule is subject to change. To stay up to date on all changes, please visit www.wolf.org.
A few special programs are also available including a members-only behind-the-scenes tour available on Friday and Sunday mornings. Information on how to register for this program and others can also be found at wolf.org.
The International Wolf Center advances the survival of wolf populations by teaching about wolves, their relationship to wild lands and the human role in their future.
International Wolf Center announces new partnership with Explore.org
Additional webcams featuring the Center’s pack of wolves are now online
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Two new live webcams featuring the pack of ambassador wolves at the International Wolf Center are now featured on explore.org.
Explore.org is the world’s leading philanthropic live nature cam network and documentary film channel. Their website features hundreds of live streaming cameras focused on nature and animals across the world. The International Wolf Center maintains a pack of ambassador wolves at its interpretive center in Ely, Minnesota.
“Our followers passionately observe our pack through webcams on our website, so we know there’s a great interest in this twenty-four hour access,” said the Center’s Executive Director, Grant Spickelmier. “By adding two cameras to the explore.org network, we expect we’ll be able to educate even more people about the natural behaviors of wolves.”
“[The new wolf camera] is one of a kind,” said Charles Annenberg Weingarten, founder of explore.org. “It can’t be more sacred and I’m so excited to be a part of the wolf pack. Welcome wolves to the explore.org family!”
Explore.org’s cameras are operated by a network of volunteers, so viewers will be able to consistently observe wolves as operators zoom in and/or move the cameras around the wolf enclosure. In addition, representatives from the Center will be online at set times every week to answer questions from viewers on explore.org‘s commenting boards.
“It’s incredibly hard to observe wild wolves,” Spickelmier said. “Cameras like these make it possible for anyone, anywhere, to watch our Ambassador pack and learn about wolf behavior. This effort fits in very well with our education-based mission.”
A microphone is also part of the experience, making it possible for viewers to hear the wolves howl. Mornings and evenings are typically when the wolves are most active.
“We’re appreciative of the work that the explore.org team has done to make this partnership happen,” Spickelmier said. “Without their generosity and their expertise, this wouldn’t have been possible.”
To see the cameras, visit https://explore.org/livecams/international-wolf-center/wolf-cam-2
The International Wolf Center advances the survival of wolf populations by teaching about wolves, their relationship to wild lands and the human role in their future. For more information about the International Wolf Center, visit wolf.org.
Contact for livestream footage/photo requests:
Emily Berlin, Public Relations for explore.org
emily@explore.rog
T:231-571-0470
Additional free online educational programming offered by the International Wolf Center
Free WolfLink programs, webinars, storytimes and reading resources are part of the efforts undertaken by the Center, which will remain closed through April
Contact: Chad Richardson, Communications Director
Email: chad@wolf.org
Phone: 763-233-7138
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Additional free educational programming about wolves is being offered by the International Wolf Center. These programs come as more students from across the United States find themselves at home instead of the classroom to fight the spread of COVID-19.
Efforts include free webinars, complete lists of resources and even morning preschool storytimes on Facebook Live.
“We know there’s great demand for opportunities to learn from home,” said the Center’s Executive Director, Grant Spickelmier. “We’re excited we can step up to help. It’s because of our support from members and donors across the world that we’re able to offer these programs at no charge.”
The programs are vital to the Center’s efforts to spread science-based wolf information during the current pandemic. The Center’s location in Ely, Minnesota, will remain closed to the public until about May 8 in accordance with recommendations from the state’s governor.
The Center will continue to monitor the situation and will post updates to its website at wolf.org.
“Our staff is eager to keep teaching the world about wolves, even as our facility in Ely is closed,” Spickelmier said.
Friday pack update webinar
After a successful launch last week, the International Wolf Center will be offering another free Wolf Care webinar this Friday at 9 a.m. Central Time and every Friday this spring.
To watch the weekly webinars, watch wolf.org for the most recent link. Links for these webinars are posted near the top of the homepage.
A free download of Zoom software may be required.
These webinars feature updates on the Center’s pack of ambassador wolves.
Books and videos list
Want your kids to stop playing video games for a while? The Center’s outreach department compiled a complete list of age-appropriate videos and books. That list can be found on the Center’s website at https://bit.ly/wolfbooks.
Included are publicly available videos on PBS and YouTube, plus book recommendations for preschoolers, elementary school students and middle school students through adults.
Wolf storytime
For our youngest pack members – the Center’s education staff will be holding a weekly preschool storytime featuring an appropriate wolf book. These broadcasts will be held on Mondays at 10 a.m. Central Time with the first one on Monday, March 30. These will be shown on the Center’s Facebook page through Facebook Live. That page can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalWolfCenter/.
Closing update
The International Wolf Center’s location in Ely, Minnesota, will remain closed until June 1 in accordance with recommendations from the state’s governor.
The Center will continue to monitor the situation and will post updates to its website at wolf.org.
Wolf Care
A small team of dedicated staff members are continuing to provide care for the Center’s ambassador wolves even during the closing.
How can you help?
Additional programming efforts such as these come with considerable expense. While the Center takes on these efforts, it is doing so as its interpretive center in Ely, Minnesota, which is closed to the public because of the coronavirus. The interpretive center accounts for a significant share of the Center’s revenue every year and its indefinite closing presents a unique challenge.
“We are looking for additional supporters to join us now as we continue to push out free programming to those who need it,” Spickelmier said. “We need our whole pack working together to face these challenges.”
To make a one-time donation, or a recurring gift, visit https://wolf.org/support/donate-options/.
Membership in the Center is also available and includes a number of benefits, including an annual subscription to International Wolf magazine. To learn more about membership, visit https://wolf.org/support/membership/.
International Wolf Center in Ely, Minnesota, will close through at least the weekend of April 5; free online programming planned
CONTACT: Chad Richardson
Communications Director
chad@wolf.org
Cell: 651-214-4989
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – In compliance with the executive order of Governor Walz, the International Wolf Center in Ely, Minnesota is now closed to the public through at least the weekend of April 5 to help reduce the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. As it makes this difficult decision, the Center is adding free online programming over the coming weeks to help support the increasing share of the world’s residents shut in their homes.
The Center had announced earlier this week that it would remain open on weekends, but the Governor’s order released today prompted the Center to revisit that decision. While the Center will be closed, employees will still be on site seven days a week to provide care for the ambassador wolves.
“The health and safety of our visitors, staff and animals is our top priority,” said the Center’s executive director, Grant Spickelmier.
While the Center’s location in Ely will be closed, a big effort is underway to build additional online tools to educate the world about wolves. Free educational programming begins this week with a weekly webinar focused on the Center’s Exhibit Pack of wolves planned for 9 a.m. every Friday. This free weekly program will be ongoing for the foreseeable future.
“This kind of free educational programming fits perfectly with our efforts to teach the world about wolves and gives people stuck in their homes something positive to focus on right now” Spickelmier said. “We’re especially thankful to all of our supporters over the years. Their contributions mean that we’re able to offer this kind of programming without charge to people across the world.”
The Center maintains a pack of ambassador wolves at the interpretive center in Ely, Minnesota that are used to teach the public. For many years, people who cannot get to the Center have been able to look in on the wolves thanks to live webcams that broadcast seven days a week along with occasional fee based webinars.
The new webinars the Center is offering for free starting Friday will provide updates about the pack of ambassador wolves from Wolf Care staff and allow viewers to ask questions live. They will be held every Friday at 9 a.m. Central Time. Links to each week’s webinar will be posted on wolf.org, the Center’s social media channels and to those who subscribe to email updates at https://wolf.org/subscribe/.
The link for the first webinar is https://zoom.us/j/259295035. A free download of Zoom software is required to watch these webinars.
Additional online programming and resources are being developed. More information on that programming will be posted as it becomes available.
Internationally renowned wolf, lion and tiger researcher from India to present public program in St. Paul on March 17
Event featuring Dr. Yadvendradev Jhala is hosted by the International Wolf Center
Contact:
Chad Richardson, communications director
International Wolf Center
Office: 763-233-7132
Cell: 651-214-4989
chad@wolf.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – One of the world’s leading experts on Asiatic lions, wolves and tigers in India will present a public program on Tuesday, March 17, in St. Paul, Minnesota. Dr. Yadvendradev Jhala is a leading researcher on predator biology in India. His public program will address the three animals and their prey, as well as human-wolf conflicts. The event is hosted by the International Wolf Center.
The presentation will be held in the meeting room at Summit Brewing Company, 910 Montreal Circle in St. Paul. There is a suggested donation of $10 for admission and seating is limited. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. Pre-show entertainment featuring students from the Mactir Academy of Irish Dance to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day will run from 6:30 to 7 p.m. Dr. Jhala’s presentation will begin at 7 p.m. A cash bar will be available.
Dr. Jhala is a faculty member at the Wildlife Institute of India. He is also a research associate of the Genetics Program in the National Museum of Natural History at the Smithsonian Institute and is the IUCN wolf specialist for India. He is a leading expert and influential thinker on aspects of human-wolf conflicts. In addition to studying wolves, lions and tigers, Dr. Jhala is also tracking snow leopards.
“We’re excited and proud that we can offer this kind of programming featuring an international expert,” said Grant Spickelmier, the executive director of the International Wolf Center. “Dr. Jhala is one of the world’s leading authorities on wolves, tigers and lions. We’re looking forward to learning more from him about wolves and other predators in India and how they are working towards successful predator-human coexistence.”
For more information about the program, contact the Center’s communications director, Chad Richardson, by email at chad@wolf.org.