The Making Of Wonders Of The Wolf

The making of Wonders Of The Wolf started with curiosity. My youngest daughter had a fascination with wolves that began when she was 2 years old.  She collected anything with a wolf on it. She would visit her school library and read anything she could find about wolves. She watched documentaries on wolves and wrote stories that always featured a wolf heroine. She was convinced that my childhood stories had it wrong when it came to the nature of wolves. The words "big bad wolf" were not in her vocabulary. 

When the world shut down in 2020 and we had an abundance of quiet time, I decided to do some of my own research on wolves not knowing that this research would become the impetus for a new documentary.  An ecologist friend of mine recommended the book, The Rise Of Wolf 8, by Rick McIntyre. It was the story about the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone National Park and one particular wolf, Wolf 8, who persevered through his struggles as the runt of his litter to become one of the greatest alpha males. It was a fascinating true story that chronicalled the dynamic lives of the Crystal Creek Pack, Yellowstone National Park's first wolf pack. I ended up reading all four of Rick McIntyre's books: The Rise Of Wolf 8, The Reign Of Wolf 21, The Redemption Of Wolf 302, and The Alpha Female Wolf - The Fierce Legacy of Yellowstone's 06. I was mesmerized and I knew I had to see the Yellowstone wolves for myself. 

I had never been to Yellowstone National Park. I journeyed to the park in early 2023 to the Lamar Valley. I saw my first wolf in the wild -- wolf 907F. A female wolf, leader of the Junction Butte Pack and the oldest wolf in Yellowstone National Park. It was truly an emotional experience to see wild wolves. Even more emotional hearing them howl. I was filled with a wild sense of wonder. I was also filled with a sense of purpose. I wanted to tell their story and be part of the advocacy to protect them.  I headed back to California and began pre-production for Wonders Of The Wolf. 

It has been an incredible journey making this film.  I am so grateful to Nathan Varley, Quinn Harrison, Dr. Douglas Smith, Taylor Rabe, Dr. Jeff Reed, Kira Cassidy, Malou Anderson-Ramirez and Dr. Naomi Louchouarn for all that they do for wildlife and for sharing their knowledge and observations for the film. 

I am grateful to my incredible film team. Rising at 4am in frigid weather is not for the faint of heart! It was all worth it. The incredible memories made while making the film include bear encounters, bison jams, frozen burritos, many meals at Wonderland Cafe, and many incredible wolf sightings. 

I am grateful to have met legendary wildlife filmmaker, Bob Landis, who generously let me use his original footage of the famous 06 female in my film. I am also grateful to have met author and devoted wolf watcher, Rick McIntyre, who shared his scope with me as he pointed out wolves he was watching. These are dear memories I will always remember. 

For the wolves, in gratitude.