This is the truth folks. We have learned so much from the wolves that we can't even remember. This man is remembering and changing your rules.Peace.

I wish I could have the opportunity to do the same. I Think It's great that someone can and is willing to show what real family is all about. I'm looking forward to watching the show.

I commend you for your work and am also interested in helping and understanding animals that share this earth with us. I definitely believe that your work is unparalleled and absolutely selfless.

I am passionate about wolves and can't wait to see the show, wish it was two hours long! I'm telling everyone I know who shares my love for wolves! Your work is absolutely incredible and I've read everything on the website about it and even played videos over the phone for my friends who do not have internet. Awesome work!!!

Shaun Ellis has fathered four children. How do you think it makes his children feel growing up seeing their dad care more about spending huge amounts of time with animals rather than his own children? I'm all for science and research, but not at the expense of children who need a father in their lives.

KEEP DOING WHAT YOU ARE DOING!!! GOOD FOR YOU.
AND THANK YOU, I LOVE WOLFS

Thank you so much for doing this. Maybe you will bring more knowledge to the public on these amazing animals! Keep doing what you're doing!

i think this is really cool what you do and i think i would love to do somting like this do you love doing this job and what does it feel like to live, play and eat like a wolve does

Well done. Keep up the good work and have fun. There will always be people looking to belittle your work as in all cases such as yours. This world is a better place for pioneers such as yourself and your supporting partner .

Great job, people need to understand the family structure of the wolves, then maybe it won't be prosecuted for past impressions.
I sincerely hope that this show will bring this about.

I don't think human can teach an animal how to be an animal, this guy might have complete interest in animal - which is perfectly fine, but to think that humans can teach an animal what is already instinctively created in them is ridiculous. The guy ignored his family and his reponsibilities as a father to raise wolves. His passion is commendable, but his neglect of his responsiblities is deplorable...

Five words: Timothy Treadwell and the grizzlies.

Is there a web site for Wolf Pack Management in North Devon? Is it open to the public?

Karl - You are correct. Sean is based in North Devon, you can check out more details at: wolfpack-management.com.

Thanks for your interest.

This guy is doing fantastic and very important work. Yes, it is possible to teach captive animals to be wild...just as it's possible to domesticate many wild animals. Many species are dying out right now because they only exist in zoos and would die if left on their own. Today's dogs are direct decendents of wolves and have the same instincts, but how many of our domestic canines could fend for themselves and flourish in the wild? The work Shean's doing with these wolves will benefit ALL captive species. As for his children, unless you personally know him and them you cannot know the situation completely so give the guy a break.

I think what Shaun Ellis is doing to educate the human race about wolves in incredible and fascinating. I can only imagine how wonderful it must have been to live and raise the pups. He should continue his work and I hope he does.
As for "Vicky". Whatever on your comment about him being a father. You only know what you read. You have no idea what kind of father he is. Also, He is teaching our future leaders ( including his own children) to not fear wolves. They have been given a bad rap since the beginning of time. It is about time someone does something to educate the current leaders and the future ones. KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK MR. ELLIS!!!!!!

If a person leaves an animal alone, they normally will return to their post within 36 to 72 hours......I find it hard to believe the Mother Wolf truely ever Left her young!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am not amazed I have always intoruced myself to other dogs any dog buy my breath and was surprised at how accurate the faces and teeth structure Shaun had developed. I think this is a very natural way to introduce yourself. Having worked with coyotes and wolves and owning many large dangerous "seemingly breed" I have learned that the love you recieve from these animals is true and develops just as our human animal love develops.I would love to study with this man. I think he s brilliant and like Steve Irwin was born with the instinctual rhythmn of wolves, just as Irwin was born with the ability to relax and learn from each animal. Go Shaun.
Blessings. Callie

I am not amazed I have always intoruced myself to other dogs any dog buy my breath and was surprised at how accurate the faces and teeth structure Shaun had developed. I think this is a very natural way to introduce yourself. Having worked with coyotes and wolves and owning many large dangerous "seemingly breed" I have learned that the love you recieve from these animals is true and develops just as our human animal love develops.I would love to study with this man. I think he s brilliant and like Steve Irwin was born with the instinctual rhythmn of wolves, just as Irwin was born with the ability to relax and learn from each animal. Go Shaun.
Blessings. Callie

Saw the precursor tonight on 20/20 -- absolutely enthralling. Did a double take today as I thought I'd seen Shaun here in Scottsdale; though unlikely.

Short Story: Man raises a couple of wolf pups in a cage at a 25-acre theme park in Devon complete with animated dinosaurs.

Amazing Part: National Geographic filmed it.

Bottom Line: This is stunt TV:

Kudos to Shaun! A worthy topic for NG.

I have to wonder however, why I have been studying, working raising, and tracking wild wolves for more than 20 years. I hiked a continuous 350 miles throughout the Frank Church River of no Return, and the Selway/Bitteroot Wilderness's in this pursuit, and with the exception of only 3 or 4 people, noone cares to hear about it, much less put me on National Geographic.

Idaho has just opened an established hunt permit for the formerly "experimental" 700 or so wolves here. I tried to assist in the original release program in '96/'97 and thruout the continued progress of this program, I have re-contacted folks like Ed Bangs and Curtis Mack to no success.

The "Authorities" omit specific numbers in population density for Canis Lupus, also denying veracity of reported encounters with un-collared wolves - which they embarrassingly, cannot account for. And this is just the start of the politics regarding the wolves.

I could use some backup with a little public clout to plan an excursion into the wolf region here, and create an interpretive, informational, and enlightning program.

I invite any bonafide wolf folks with common sense, and genuine knowledge - backgrounds in Pack dynamics, modified behavior patterns, and sound wilderness skills to join me. We need to get the education out to where it hits home and does some good, regardless to what the so-called experts tell us.

Meanwhile, folks like Shaun need to keep up their work - if more thought out of the box like this man has, more would get done, faster. Instead of his being considered anomolous behavior among humans, it would become more and more a trend setting event.

Mike

THIS MAN'S WORK IS INCREDIBLE... IT'S ABOUT TIME SOMEONE DID THIS!!!

WE ALL LOVE & CHERISH OUR DOMESTICATED CANINES & WOLVES ARE NO LESS IMPORTANT! ALL DOGS DERIVE FROM THE WOLF & THERE IS SO MUCH WE DON'T KNOW ABOUT THEM, SO MUCH TO LEARN!!!

PEOPLE HAVE LIVED WITH GORILLAS & OTHER TYPES OF ANIMALS, SO WHY NOT THE WOLF? THEY ARE HIGHLY INTELLIGENT, TOP OF THE FOOD CHAIN, LIVE IN A FAMILY "PACK" & I BELIEVE YOUR WORK IS HELPFUL & EXTREMELY NEEDED.

WE COULD LEARN SO MUCH MORE ABOUT OUR OWN PETS BY STUDYING THE WOLF, SO I CAN'T UNDERSTAND PEOPLE'S NEGATIVE COMMENTS...

THERE WILL ALWAYS BE GOOD VS. BAD OPINIONS IN ANYTHING & EVERYTHING PEOPLE DO...

THOSE WHO ARE EDUCATED & KNOWLEDGABLE ABOUT WOLVES WILL LOVE WHAT YOU ARE DOING & WILL PRAISE YOUR EFFORTS.

THOSE WHO REMAIN UNEDUCATED & IGNORANT WILL CRITIZE, JUDGE & GIVE THEIR NASTY OPINIONS...

JUST KNOW THAT YOU NEED TO FOLLOW YOUR HEART BECAUSE YOU CAN'T PLEASE EVERYONE ALL OF THE TIME & YOU HAVE TO LIVE FOR YOURSELF & DO WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY...

AND IF WHAT YOU DO HELPS BRING THE WOLVES & HUMANS CLOSER IN UNDERSTANDING EACH OTHER, THEN YOU'VE GONE ABOVE & BEYOND WHAT ALL THESE CRITICS ARE CAPABLE OF DOING, SITTING IN THE COMFORT OF THEIR OWN HOMES, BEHIND A COMPUTER, TYPING THEIR NEGATIVE OPINIONS ABOUT YOUR WORK.

JUST KNOW THAT THERE ARE A MAJORITY OF US OUT HERE WHO SUPPORT YOU, SOME WHO WOULD TRADE PLACES &/OR JOIN YOUR WORK IN A HEARTBEAT & OTHERS WHO COMMEND YOU & SEE YOU AS A VISIONARY, A MAN WITH A STRONG LOVE FOR AN ANIMAL THAT UP UNTIL NOW, PEOPLE HAVE HAD VERY LITTLE UNDERSTANDING OF & NEED MORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anyone serious about studying wolves where they actually live - extremely difficult task, this - should contact me at "blackwolfarisen@frontiernet.net" Place "wolfstudy" in the subject line.

If I can get enough response by interested folks, something good might just develop - this is still a plan in it's infancy, and requires organization, structure, and logistical work - emphasis on work.

i cannot even put into to words the chills that took over my body when i watched the clip for the show airing tonight!! i had tears in my eyes because i was so intrigued by what shaun does . I have always dreamed of interacting with wolves and I am hopefully starting my volunteer work soon at a sanctuary where there are 10 adults and several pups. Shaun is definitely, in my world, the most respected man! He is my hero! I think what he does is absolutely incredible and i want to get involved. I have read many books and watched many documentaries, but I think this one will top them all.I cannot wait to watch it tonight! I have a Siberian Husky who, has very similar mannerisms/characteristics and looks as wolves! good luck with future studies, Shaun!!! keep the spirit alive!!

VICKY:

There jobs all over that require extended periods away from family. I have one. The children do not necessarily suffer.

I have studied wolf behavior for a long period of time, and while I do find this to be a must see program, my only concern is that interacting so closely to a human would eliminate the natural fear that they have, which in many cases surely keeps them alive. The program is on tonight and I am most interested to find out if the wolves are released and mointored closely, and how they survive in the wild. I think this is the most important part of the process, and if they thrive in the wild, then maybe Shaun has something here. To see wild wolves brought into human confinement and kept there the rest of their lives, would be a failure to the hard work I am sure he put into this effort. I certainly would hope that NG would plan a follow up program to show the progress of these particular wolves. I am most interested in watching the program. Wolf

"It's about time someone did this?"

Did WHAT? Raise a couple of pups in a one acre cage at a petting zoo in Devon?

Well, here's a heads up: It's been done before, and much better by Jim Dutcher who even filmed the whole thing (in a 25-acre pen in Idaho) and put it out as a video and book

Not only is this show stunt TV and fake science, but it's a KNOCK OFF to boot.

Come on National Geographic, surely your standards are better than "It was cheap to produce."

As was noted, there are REAL scientists out there doing REAL work with REAL wolves and involved with REAL wolf introductions in a country that has a lot of REAL WOLVES already.

This Shaun Ellis thing is a joke and a mockery of everything National Geographic (once) stood for.

PBurns

PBurns:

The Dutchers didn't do quite the same thing. They lived around the pack and interacted with them and were accepted by them. What they did not do was BE them.

PBurns:

It's so much easier to be a critic than a creator. The lack of a broader vision in science and life is why we see the vile treatment of both humans and animals today.
Thank you NG for having that vision.

So the rap here is that Shaun Ellis IS a wolf and not just a heavy set guy in a one acre cage in a petting zoo in Devon?

Right! Breathe deep the ether, because we are going through the Looking Glass now.

Now tell the truth -- how hard was it to shoot around the animated plastic dinosaurs that are the staple of this theme park?

Say what you want, but this is NOT an original idea National Geographic should ask for its money back if it was sold as such.

PBurns

PBurns:

For your information I was a pack caretaker for the Sawtooth Pack, have met the Dutchers in Winchester where the Center is located, and am here to tell you that other than the occasional visit by them, the humans who interacted daily with the wolves were, Keith Marshal, Jeremy Heft, Biologist Meagan Parker, and myself. It was Meagan who actually lived with the pack more or less during the long Winter months when the Pack was still at the original site in Stanley, Id. As for the Dutchers' hands on involvement with the pack there, and to what extent, I cannot fairly surmise - I was not there during the Stanley days, but it was less than you were led to believe.

I think it's rather interesting to watch what we can teach wolves as well as learn from them. It may prove to be more enlightening then what just studies and scientists can give us. Would you do it for the sake of knowledge? Someone has to.

I think it is truely amazing that you developed such trust and love for the magnificant wolf. And as some questions, I'd like to know if you've ever slept with the wolves, or gone out with TRUELY wild wolves and worked with them. - I'm sure you truely love what you do with a deep passion, and the show is Phenomenal, and the wolf is my favorite animal! Keep up your amazing work, and stay at the top of the pack!!!!!

I Think this show is great! Im watching it right now, with my mom and dad. Its so instering how he can communate with the wolfs, im so amazed!

Maybe it's time Shaun got his degree from what I have been reading. I was really concerned about the pups with no video of a woman's touch and not a woman's touch when it came to Shaun either, talk about trying to be and be wild. From being around dogs, picking up a puppy and howling until it howls is creating a false sense of security or insecurity no mater how you look at it in my opinion and therefore, is stress full for the pups and misleading. Puppies in a box is not a wild experience. I would like to have seen more on the Native American and Polish experiences, influences, and history. I noticed also that the dogs were licking at the mouth of Shaun when they probably should have been backing off from those teeth and growling. In short, I will say, I would buy the video for my collecton. Be careful Shaun in doing such dangerous things.

~ Becky

While watching the program, it was difficult to decipher the differences between the "calls". Can you offer any insight as to what these differences are? For instance: is the rally howl shorter, longer, higher pitched, etc. than the defense howl for example? Many thanks.

Now I don't have much time now but I do enjoy your work and always dream about living among the wolf am a big time wolf lover and would like to keep in touch with Shaun on how things are going. I respect all that you are doing and wish I could help out in a way I don't make much but if I could make some type of fund to help you out please let me know I try to help out the local parks here in NEW MEXICO with the Mexician Gray Wolves and hope for their safty in life. So please let me now on some info about helping out. MY Email is night.wolf.25@hotmail.com
please I would like to help out.

Nice work Shaun. I hope you achieve your goal. I hope wolves everywhere benefit from your work.

I thoroughly enjoyed watching the program on the National Geographic channel this evening.

As a high school teacher I have to say that the knowledge and understanding that we think we have is only a drop in the bucket. There is much more that we do NOT know than that which we do and it takes programs like NG to keep bringing that kind of knowledge to the rest of us.

Humbly, Thank you.

Keep up the good work.

The wolves are not wild - they are put on daily viewing for the public, where Shaun's main theme-park job is putting on a "daily howling exhibit."
Don't believe it? See this link: http://www.dinosaur-park.com/wolves.htm

And for the record, Shaun Ellis is not a scientist of any kind. He is not a biologist, nor is he a trained animal behaviorist. He is not even an accredited zoo keeper. Don't believe it? Check out his bio on this web site.

P

Shaun, Congrats, your doing an excellent job and I do believe you've hit on something with your howling techniques, I believe this could and would help the wild wolves to stay away from ranchers livestock. And to P. Burns, why don't you back off dude! So Shaun isn't a scientist, big deal, some of the best ideas come from people thinking outside the box. Besides the scientists haven't found a way to keep the wolves off the ranchers livestock and I think Shaun has, what better way to control a situation than to use the animals own language, something they understand, to keep them away from areas you don't want them in. Kudos to you Shaun, keep up the good work, you make me proud to be human- finally. I was starting to think non of the kids growing up would ever see the magnificent sight of a wild animal running wild and living wild as God intended. Our wild horses are a good example- where are they? Once again man has solved the problem by getting rid of them for they're own well being, adopting them out what a joke!And to all you critics out there downing the man cause he's working in a park with captive wolves, a wolf is a wolf is a wolf, don't matter if it's captive or not, it still has the same instincts and reactions, and this man has learned a heck of a lot more than most and could possibly save the last of the wolves we still have around by living with them and learning from them. Has it ever crossed your mind that the first men probably survived by watching, learning and imitating the wild animals and most likely the wolves, just as we have dogs, they had domesticated the wolf, how else did we get the dog? Critter

I think it is awesome that Mr. Shaun Ellis has done this for the wolf community and humans alike. I would love to be able to do something like he did!

Your right up there with Jim and Jamie Dutcher.

(h)ooooooOOOWWWWwwwww(l)

Many Blessings

Becky - when an alpha shows teeth and growls, this is a "Type One" aggression level as we term it in the research community. The correct reponse for subordinate members IS to lick that "wolf" around his or her mouth - this displays submission and compliance to the leader. Meaning no insult, perhaps you as well, should get the appropriate education regarding wolf behavior - a lot of questions you may have would then resolve themselves.

I am always like a "Missouran" - "Show Me!" but perhaps there IS something to Mr. Ellis's howling with regard to posting auditory "No Tresspassing signs" around areas of livestock, in which depredation by wolves occurs. I am going to look into this and research it further, and will publish any results. Having worked with wolves previously, I am more than familiar with their howls and what these mean to other wolves, both as members, and outsiders.

Heather: A rallying call is a longer duration, mid-pitched vocalization, and nuances can vary depending on the circumstances surrounding the wolf who utters it. It can denote fear within the displaced animal looking to be found, that food has been located and hurry up and get here, or simply to locate individual members for benign reasons. And I am STILL learning more and more about this!

Ok - I have one response to my previous blog regarding Wolf Research, to be conducted where the wild wolves live here in the Central Mountains of Idaho. Eventually, a whole team is going to be required, so interested imdividuals scroll up and contact me at the posted place, for info about this new thing were doing.

Michael A Anderson

Shaun,

Thank you for your eye-opening work. I agree and applaud your efforts. Human beings are the only "mammals" that can destroy this planet - just look at the vanishing rainforests. I do not relish a planet without animals in it, and I want my nephews to inherit this respect for the planet and animals - and Shaun is a great teacher.
To the issue of his responsibilities as a father: how is his work any different than a broker spending endless hours at the office? Or a CEO traveling out of the country for meetings? Are these guys any less of a father? Please, think: family is very important to him - or did you miss the point of the "wolf" pack?

Shaun your the wolf man. Your like the next Steve Irwin. What your doing with these wolves is like a dream come true. I have a wolf hybred her name is tasha she's the most loyal compainion. How nice is it too be among wolves? when I watch your show i was amazed.I was like how can a man become an alpha let alone a member in a wolf pack. So than I thought well 1 hour only isn't enough I know we all need more. Like a second part or a series. 1 hour isn't enough. Do something like planet earth a 11 part series. Cause if Dog whisperer can have a series there isn't no reason why shaun ellis can't.

This seems like a much more interactive documentary about animals than any I`ve ever seen. But I wonder about the part where "wolves don`t feel guilt or remorse". I don`t think so, I thought wolves mourned howl if their puppies went missing or a pack memeber died. Anyways, this looks great!

Metal.

I wathced the show on National Geographic last night. I just want to say this to Mr. Ellis, I admire you for giving up everything to be with these wolves. I think it is wonderful that a man has taken the time to learn about how the wolves live and actually has in a way become a wolf. It is very crucial to understand how we can help to protect these wonderful animals from being destoyed. I absolutley love wolves and I hope to one day be able to work with those who are dedicated to saving them. I think they are beautiful, noble, and very deserving of our respect. Keep up the good work Mr. Ellis!

Personally, I'll stick with the Wolf Park methodology. They don't wrap deer guts in dangerous plastic, & they don't take credit for teaching pups how to howl when we all know it's hardwired into their systems. But what can you do? Everyone has their own theory. Don't take anyone's word for it, find out the facts for yourself. There is always more than one way to look at things. I must stress, however, that "Man Among Wolves" has got me thinking "Damage Control." There's no denying Shaun's determination & devotion for wolves, but maybe he should get his PHD & research Wolf Vocalization & Ethology. Appearing on the tele doesn't cut it.

hey this is berry I'm 18 years old and I really like how you like wolfs thay are one of my faveit and I would like it if you would tell me all about them because I would like to leren about them

This is very cool what you are doing and mabey when you die wolves will turn more humanlike or a werewolf! You eat gross stuff. You got guts.

What you are doing is remarkable and unselfish. It takes a lot of courage and motivation. Great job. You are experiencing and learning a lifestyle/language that maybe has long been lost. We need to help and protect nature and its creatures. I wish you nothing but success and blessings.

I watched the show and found your research techniques unconventional but commendable. You are a true pioneer and scientist to be taking your study in such a personal way. You are most likely obtaining data that cannot be found in any other format. Pioneers, such as yourself, that absorb themselves in bettering something on this earth are few and far between. Thanks and continue your wonderful work.

Interesting program. It's a real stretch to compare Shaun to Steve Irwin though. He could do this the rest of his life and still not be anywhere near the caliber of animal expert that Steve Irwin was. I do think that the interest in wolves that this program has generated is worth whatever criticism Shaun is getting! The great thing about this is that it's generating more interest in the wolves plight here in the US. Thanks Michael for your insight.

as I was saying:

PBurns:

Humans are vile, disgusting creatures. I despise them, and YOU are a shining example as to why!!!! You beleave that your race rules the world, don't you? Well listen up you pile of meat, the world is held by all its creatures, and all its creatures are held by it! The world is a pack, It's alfa are the gods. The pack cannot comprehend enough to lead itself, but we must depend on ourselves and the pack to survive.

Bottom line: CALM DOWN YOU STUPID CRITIC, before the pack casts you out.

Shaun Ellis:
The Pack sends you love.

Dear Shaun,
We have 8 wolves that we have raised since they were pups. Two, the Alpha male and female had a litter of 5 and we did not handle the pups. We watched and documented the parents raising them. As we watched the peking order develope over the years we had to separate them as they are all adults and were continuing to challenge each other. We separated them into two's in a kennel. It has kept them from ganging up on each other. I have a homepage on aol that I would very much like you to visit. I have given my life to raising these wolves and have had many special experiences with them. I have had them for 9 years now. They are all sterilized and micro chipped as the law requires since 2000. I do feed them venison and the Alpha male and female get the heart and liver as you do! It was really exciting to see you on film as I have also done the same with the wolves at their early stage in life like biting their ears! I hope to hear from you when you have time. Thank you so much for sharing your life with the world. I am a reclusive person but I am devoted to my wolves. They are my life and my family thinks it is great for me to be so focused on something so beautiful. Again thank you for supporting the wolf.
Johanna Molenaar

I pray more people will learn to live with the wolves to preserve their lives. It's my lifetime committment. Till death do us Part our Chapman Pack will go on.

He is my hero becuase he's doing something few are brave enough to do.I love wolves with the same kind of passion and i only wish i had the chance to do what he's doing.Which is infact,helping to save the wolve population.

i went to a place called coombe martin wildlife and dinosaur park and he done a wolf feeding and i was amazed by this guy, after