It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Hope, our veteran coyote Animal Ambassador. As one of the first education animals at Ohio Wildlife Center, Hope was the star attraction for nearly two decades for tens of thousands of visitors, campers, volunteers and staff.
Hope was born in the wild in March 2000 and was taken illegally from her mother’s den as a pup. At four months old, she was surrendered to state wildlife authorities by a good samaritan who heard that she was planned to be used in a dog fighting ring. Because she was already imprinted on humans, she could not be released back to the wild.
The Ohio Division of Wildlife granted Ohio Wildlife Center the necessary permit for education placement, ensuring we could provide her with the appropriate housing, safety, nutrition and the hands-off enrichment that a young, orphaned coyote needed. With humble resources and sheer will of a small staff and dedicated volunteers, our organization raised Hope as Ohio’s only coyote in permanent sanctuary at that time.
Growing up right along side of our budding Education Center, Hope was a stellar example of our mission in action. Hope didn’t realize it, but everyday she was helping humans foster awareness and appreciation of Ohio’s native wildlife. As Ohio Wildlife Center grew, so did Hope’s following.
People came from across the state to see Hope. She served as a constant reminder of the need for human tolerance toward wildlife. Commonly viewed as one of the most contentious species in our state, coyotes are often feared by people, but they are residents of all 88 counties in Ohio and have been in the buckeye state since as early as 1919. Ultimately, they are like every other wild animal trying to make a life for themselves– competing for space and food in our human-dominated landscape. When given a chance to see a wild coyote up close, many human fears and misunderstandings fade away.
Nearly 20 years later, we provide permanent residency to more than 72 native Ohio Animal Ambassadors from 48 different species. The Animal Ambassadors at the Center are all former wild animals illegally raised by humans, hit by cars or injured by domestic pets who couldn’t return to the wild.
Since 2011, Hope lived with a male coyote named Dryden. Known as the more inquisitive coyote, Hope was always out to greet visitors while shy Dryden stayed at a safe distance, often among the trees and brush. At almost 19 years of age, Hope is tied as one of the longest-lived coyotes on record. The average lifespan of a coyote in the wild is 6-8 years. Regardless of securing a spot in the record books, Hope will forever be remembered for her resiliency, tolerance and patience toward humans. Please contribute to Hope’s memorial fund. Proceeds will support our ongoing non-profit education efforts and Animal Ambassador care. Click here to learn more about our upcoming programs and events, and click here to read more about coyotes.
