Animated film shines spotlight on wolves

Art imitates life with fictional tale of wolf reintroduction in central Idaho

Summary:

• Defenders of Wildlife partners with Lionsgate® and Crest Animation to promote Alpha and Omega, an animated feature film that follows the adventures of two young wolves, which is expected to be released in theaters on September 17, 2010.

Defenders of Wildlife is teaming up with Lionsgate to promote Alpha and Omega, a film about two wolves that are relocated from Jasper Park in Canada to the Sawtooth Wilderness of central Idaho. The movie follows Kate and Humphrey as they make their way back home, crossing paths with grizzly bears, caribou herds and a golfing goose.

A light-hearted, fictional tale, Alpha and Omega highlights several important aspects of wolf biology, including their strong family bonds, hunting behavior and territoriality. The film’s plot offers some parallels to the incredible, real-life success story of the reintroduction of wolves to the Northern Rockies, where hundreds of wolves now make their homes.

The following statement is from Suzanne Stone, Northern Rockies representative for Defenders of Wildlife:

“This adorable film teaches kids the basics about wolves with a fun and heart-warming story. It’s like the Lion King for the Rocky Mountains. My family will be first in line to see it.

“Working with wolves for more than 20 years, I’ve seen how easily they can be misunderstood. Wolves are extremely social, intelligent creatures that take care of their families. They are often playful, especially with their pups, but they’re also clever hunters always on the lookout for their next meal.

“I was there on the ground when wolves were restored to Idaho after a 50-year absence. Bringing wolves back from the brink of extinction and restoring them to the Rocky Mountains is one of the greatest success stories in conservation. Alpha and Omega reminds us just how far we’ve come. Having wolves in Idaho is no longer pure fiction; they’re here to stay.”

While Alpha and Omega is entirely fictional, wolves are once again a very real part of the Western landscape. Wolves were reintroduced to central Idaho and Yellowstone National Park in 1995, and they have thrived there ever since. Twenty years ago, there were only a few wolves that passed through Idaho; today more than 800 wolves make their home there, with a total of some 1,700 spread across the Northern Rockies.

National parks like Jasper in Canada, and Yellowstone in the United States, are great places for wolves to live. Wolves play an essential role in the ecosystems they inhabit by preying on sick or weak animals, and they keep large herds from lingering too long in one place where they can destroy native plant communities. The survival of the wolf depends on tolerance and understanding from humans, who often fear wolves unnecessarily. But it is possible for wolves, humans and wildlife to coexist—in fact we’ve shared the landscape for thousands of years.

About Alpha and Omega
What makes for the ultimate road trip? Hitchhiking, truck stops, angry bears, prickly porcupines and a golfing goose with a duck caddy. Just ask Kate and Humphrey, two wolves who are trying to get home after being taken by park rangers and shipped halfway across the country. Humphrey is an Omega wolf, whose days are about quick wit, snappy one-liners and hanging with his motley crew of fun-loving wolves and video-gaming squirrels. Kate is an Alpha:  duty, discipline and sleek Lara Croft eye-popping moves fuel her fire. Humphrey’s motto – make ‘em laugh. Kate’s motto – I’m the boss.  And they have a thousand miles to go.

Back home rival wolf packs are on the march and conflict is brewing. Only Kate and Humphrey can restore the peace.  But first, they have to survive each other.

Lionsgate and Crest Animation present ALPHA AND OMEGA starring Justin Long, Hayden Panettiere, Dennis Hopper, Danny Glover and Christina Ricci.  ALPHA AND OMEGA is directed by Anthony Bell and Ben Gluck from screenplay by Christopher Denk and Steve Moore and based on a story by Steve Moore.

Visit the film's official site at alphaandomega3d.com

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