National Geographic Live Presents THE HIDDEN LIFE OF WOLVES on 10/16 at Ikeda Theatre

The 2013-2014 National Geographic Live Arizona Speaker Series, sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona and GEICO, brings filmmakers and wolf advocates Jim and Jamie Dutcher to Mesa Arts Center onWednesday, October 16, at 7:30 p.m. in the Ikeda Theater. During a six-year stint on The Edge of Idaho's Sawtooth Wilderness, the Dutchers documented and intimately observed the social hierarchy and behavior of the now famous Sawtooth Pack, wolves they bottle-fed as pups. Their photographs, stories, observations and evaluations challenge many deeply held misconceptions about this animal, which while maligned in legend is closely related to man's best friend, the dog.

"We thought if people could see the way these animals lived and played together, and witness their subtle acts of compassion and care, perhaps some of the fear and misunderstanding swirling around wolves would dissipate." - Jim and Jamie Dutcher. Tickets are available through the Mesa Arts Center Box Office at MesaArtsCenter.com or by calling 480-644-6500.

The Dutchers' transformational experiences with the Sawtooth wolf pack became the subject of three Emmy Award-winning documentaries that subsequently played a significant role in altering the misinformed and often negative public perception of the wolf, an understanding that is imperative, as wolves are again in danger.

Deeply impacted by the caring and intelligent nature of the wolves, the Dutchers founded Living with Wolves in 2005, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness and addressing the complex conservation issues surrounding the historical eradication and endangered species reintroduction of wolves. "A wolf is not a solitary creature, and a wolf pack is not a loose confederation of random individuals. Wolves care for one another. They play together into old age, they raise their young as a group, and they care for injured companions," the Dutcher's write.

The Dutchers' latest book, The Hidden Life of Wolves, unveils the complexities of the wolf through striking photographs and enthralling information. Published in February 2013 by National Geographic, the Dutchers' book shines an intimate and thoughtful spotlight on these majestic animals who play a crucial role in balancing ecosystems.

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