Freedom Ranch

The success of Tree King Trees is largely due to the fact that Paul Pondella has an innate, intuitive affinity for trees. Some go so far as to say that he knows how to talk to them. He understands and respects them. But, his connection to living things does not stop there.

Besides nurturing and rescuing trees, Paul has a love affair with wild animals. Paul became certified in CPR and First-Aid with animals and quickly became well-known for this ability and started getting calls to rescue wild animals, in particular, wolves. In caring for the wolves he became aware of their plight as an endangered species and has now made it his mission to inform and educate others, starting with children, on the importance of saving these magnificent, loving creatures who have been feared and misunderstood for centuries and save the species forever.

Paul’s dream project called “Freedom Ranch” is being created for this purpose. Knowing he could not accomplish his dream alone, he enlisted help from the species itself. Paul is the proud owner of two wolf hybrids - Shadow and Allie . They are three years old females and have been trained and prepared to work in public venues as well as film and television. Shadow and Allie are appearing and performing at private parties all over the greater Los Angeles area until a site can be procured for the ranch. Meeting “the girls” in this way helps familiarize children and adults alike as to their gentle nature. The adventurous undertaking has begun. All proceeds from their personal appearances help to fund the Freedom Ranch.

Play a Part

In 1995 and 1996, after a 75-year absence, wolves were re-introduced and released in Yellowstone National Park, their territories ranging from northwest Montana to central Idaho to western Wyoming. As a result, it was proven that the wolves’ presence is crucial to the balance of the ecosystem. Simply put, the park without the wolves isn’t natural. They provide healthier conditions for a multitude of species. Today, other mammals, birds, fish, insects and plants are flourishing in the park due to the re-entry of wolves into the park. In observing the wolves it has been documented that their living habits mimic those of humans, living in well organized communities, protecting each other and they mate for life.

Sadly, there exists a movement to remove the wolves from the endangered species list. On March 28, 2008 the wolves were removed from that list and again became subject to human aggression. On July 18, 2008 Federal Judge Donald Malloy from the US District court of Missoula, Montana ruled that it was too soon to take that action and the reasons for taking them off the list were not reasonably justified. During that short amount of time over 100 wolves were shot and killed. Considering there are no more than 1200 left in that region, that number is a travesty and unacceptable. Even worse, aerial and trophy hunters under the present governorship have cruelly killed nearly 800 Alaskan wolves. This is possible because federal protection for wolves has been removed.

Judge Malloy’s ruling to keep them on the endangered species list is a milestone, but unenforceable. It will take a great amount of public awareness and outcry to keep this species from being eradicated once again.

If you would like more information about how to help save the wolves or to host a “Freedom Ranch” party and meet Shadow and Allie in person, please contact:

Paul Pondella
818-720-3812
Pet Entertainment Talent Services, Inc.
www.actingpets.com
paul@actingpets.com

All fees and donations for appearances help to fund the “Freedom Ranch.”

To become an advocate or for further information please visit the following sites (sites will open in a new window):