NORTH SALEM, N.Y. - Pigs and wolves have absolutely nothing in common other than being forever linked in a classic children’s fable, right?
Not true, says North Salem’s Rebecca Bose, who should know considering that she's worked closely with each species for years.
Of course there are the obvious differences, but both are highly intelligent and social animals capable of complex emotions such as joy, grief, empathy, and loyalty.
And, more importantly in their adoring advocate’s eyes, both have been deeply impacted by humankind and are, therefore, in dire need of protection.
CARING FOR CRITTERS
Bose packs a mean CV when it comes to caring for critters.
She’s the curator of the Wolf Conservation Center in the hamlet of South Salem in Lewisboro, where she was one of the first staff hired in 2003. Bose also sits on the board of directors for Arthur’s Acres, a Sullivan County-based animal sanctuary named for its first rescue, a tiny piglet abandoned at a defunct backyard slaughter operation.
Bose has a master’s degree in zoology and is a veterinary technician.
Her life partner, Chris Evers, is the founder of Animal Embassy, which specializes in wildlife conservation and environmental education.
The pair’s eclectic Flying Pig Farm in North Salem harbors more than 100 species of rescued and adopted domestic and exotic animals and provides a habitat for diverse local wildlife.
Their most beloved animal ambassador just happens to be Kooney Kooney, a seven-year-old rotund ginger, brown, and black kunekune pig with mildly intimidating tusks but a docile, friendly nature.
Bose is a hands-on type of volunteer who’s equally comfortable mucking out a barn as she is behind the lens of a camera.
She’s not afraid to literally get down to her animal subject’s level, which makes for some great shots and encourages folks to see them with empathy and respect.
Which brings us to the other point of this pig’s tale.
Bose’s charming, humorous, dignified, and poignant photographs of porcine residents of Arthur’s Acres are being exhibited at The Kitchen Table at Pound Ridge.
(Among the fine swine depicted are Glinda, Regan, Lenny, Ann Claire, Mukta, Wolfie, and Harlene Rita.)
The opening reception at the cafe is Sunday, Feb. 1, from 5 to 7 p.m.
The show will hang until at least the end of February.
Sales of the prints will benefit Arthur's Acres.
Light bites (vegan, of course) and drinks will be served.
CATALYST FOR CHANGE
Bose was thinking of going to vet school when she started volunteering at the WCC around 2000 and “never left,” she said, adding that she never thought in her “wildest dreams” there’d be a place like that in her own backyard.
“Wolves are beautiful and a keystone species. I’m attracted to them for many reasons,” said Bose, grateful to have had the opportunity to work with them.
Being “apex predators,” they control herbivore populations such as elk and deer, which prevents overgrazing and allows vegetation to recover, stabilizing riverbanks and creating habitats for smaller members of the ecosystem such as beavers, birds, and fish.
Fear and loathing of wolves is really a symptom of alienation and animosity towards wildness, scientists say.
They and other large animals like moose, cougars, and bears can be dangerous to people, but incidents involving wolves are exceedingly rare. While wolves prefer their natural prey, they are sometimes hated by ranchers and herders because of predation on livestock such as sheep and goats.
On the plus side is that, as symbols of family, loyalty, and strength through their complex pack structures, wolves offer lessons in cooperation and communication.
They also boost ecotourism.
Bose’s now “obsessed” with Arthur’s Acres, which, by the way, also cares for chickens, dogs, cats, and one bullfrog, Jeremiah.
To her, pigs are equally as “misunderstood.”
“People think they’re dirty, but they’re not,” explained Bose, noting that pigs are one of the most intelligent animals on the planet and yet most folks only see them “as food.”
(Their problem-solving abilities are said to be quite remarkable.)
Having Kooney Kooney come into her life really opened up her eyes, said Bose, who was already a diehard animal lover.
“He was a catalyst for change; if it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t have found Arthur’s Acres,” she said, anxious that others also “see these animals for what they are” – smart, family-oriented, and emotional.
ARTHUR’S ACRES
Arthur’s Acres is a 77-acre farm in Parksville in the heart of the Catskills. It was founded by Todd Friedman, its executive director.
Its mission is to rescue farm animals that have been abused, exploited, or discarded and the aim is to rehabilitate them through patience, love, and respect.
It also educates folks about ways to live “cruelty-free lives through daily choices.”
For more information, visit www.arthursacresanimalsanctuary.org.
WOLF CONSERVATION CENTER
The Wolf Conservation Center is a non-profit educational facility focused on wolf conservation, advocacy, and research, housing "ambassador" wolves for public programs, and participating in federal recovery efforts for endangered Mexican gray wolves and red wolves.
It offers guided tours, photography sessions, and virtual programs to teach about wolves’ ecological importance and to inspire coexistence with wildlife.
Pre-registration is required as drop-in visits aren’t allowed.
For more information, visit www.nywolf.org.
GOOD TO KNOW
The Kitchen Table is located at 71 Westchester Ave. in the Scotts Corners business district of Pound Ridge. For more information, visit www.thekitchentablepr.com or call (914) 764-3773.
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