A gray wolf peers out from its crate during a LightHawk transport flight from British Columbia, Canada to Colorado for reintroduction. Photo credit: Colorado Parks and Wildlife
LightHawk Transports Endangered Gray Wolves to Colorado for Release
January 22, 2025 (Grand Junction, CO) – LightHawk, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, completed the successful transport of fifteen endangered gray wolves from British Columbia, Canada to Colorado on January 16, 2025. This critical mission, completed over three flights by LightHawk volunteer pilots, ensured the safe transport of the wolves and their handlers. Upon arriving in Colorado, the wolves were transferred by Colorado Parks and Wildlife staff for their reintroduction into the wild.
“This collaborative effort reflects the invaluable role aviation can play in conservation,” said Jim Becker, CEO of LightHawk. “By minimizing stress and facilitating efficient transport, we support critical conservation efforts for the recovery and long-term survival of these and other endangered species.”
This marks the second transport mission by LightHawk as part of Colorado Park and Wildlife’s wolf reintroduction plan, mandated by voters in Colorado. Previous flights in December 2023 involved the relocation of ten gray wolves from Oregon to Colorado, with the animals later released back into their natural habitats.
As the leader in conservation aviation, LightHawk collaborated with CPW to ensure the safe and efficient transport of the imperiled wolves. LightHawk’s volunteer pilot donated over 30 hours of turbine aircraft time to facilitate the movement of the 15 wolves to Colorado. These flights are part of LightHawk’s broader nationwide commitment to supporting endangered species recovery and promoting ecosystem health through the strategic use of aerial resources.
For over 45 years, LightHawk has partnered with scientists, researchers, journalists and state and local agencies across North America to advance the conservation of natural resources. This includes transporting and monitoring threatened and endangered species, documenting natural and human impacts in ecosystems, and increasing public awareness through aerial imagery.
LightHawk has transported a wide variety of endangered species, including Mexican and red wolves, black-footed ferrets, white abalone, California condors, whooping cranes, masked bobwhite quail, and more.
About LightHawk
LightHawk is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization using the transformative power of flight to advance environmental conservation. Since 1989, LightHawk has partnered with conservation organizations, policymakers, journalists, and communities to tackle critical challenges impacting lands, waters, and wildlife. Supported by a network of over 270 volunteer pilots and a dedicated team, LightHawk provides unique aerial perspectives, accelerates conservation efforts, and promotes sustainable stewardship across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
To support this work, make a donation or learn more about LightHawk, visit www.lighthawk.org.
The transport team carefully unloads a wolf crate after one of three LightHawk flights, each capable of transporting up to five gray wolves per trip. Photo credit: Colorado Parks and Wildlife
A look inside the cargo area of a LightHawk flight showing carefully secured transport crates, each housing an endangered gray wolf. Photo credit: Colorado Parks and Wildlife
A Pilatus PC-12 completes a LightHawk conservation mission, transporting endangered gray wolves to Colorado as part of reintroduction efforts. Photo credit: Colorado Parks and Wildlife