Stand with Marlon Reis for Compassionate Wolf Conservation

Wolves have always symbolized the wild spirit of the West—yet too often, they are vilified, hunted, and treated as enemies rather than essential members of our shared ecosystem. In Colorado, where debates over wolf reintroduction are fierce, standing up for compassion takes real courage. 

That’s why it matters so much that Colorado’s First Gentleman, Marlon Reis, recently chose to use his voice and his platform to champion compassionate conservation—reminding us that wolves are not just symbols in a political fight, but living, feeling beings who deserve respect and coexistence.

Sign the petition to thank Colorado’s First Gentleman, Marlon Reis, for being an advocate for compassionate conservation in Colorado and beyond.

Mr. Reis hosted a deeply meaningful event at the Governor’s Residence at Boettcher Mansion centered around wolves and how compassion can guide our decisions and actions. The event featured prominent experts, including Marc Bekoff, a pioneer in compassionate conservation, and Rebecca Niemiec, a leading researcher in human–animal coexistence. 

His intentional choice to create "an opportunity to listen, to learn, to question, to challenge, and hopefully be more inspired than ever to appreciate carnivores" reflects a rare blend of leadership and humility—welcomed in a debate too often dominated by loud voices and intense conflict.

In a media climate that often emphasizes livestock conflicts over coexistence strategies, Marlon Reis standing up for depictions that recognize animals as sentient, emotional, and intelligent beings matters profoundly. Thanks to his vision, Coloradans were invited into a space where new social norms for coexistence rooted in understanding, nonlethal management, and respect were not just discussed, but inspired.

This event and the conversation it facilitated should serve as a model for other leaders in other states–in government, civil society, and private industry to rethink many of our current strategies and practices. 

Conversations about wildlife must consider their interests as individuals — not just as members of a population to be managed. They are a who–not a what.

Please sign this petition to celebrate Colorado’s First Gentleman for reminding us that the individual lives of the creatures we share space with matter—and to call on our leaders to continue advancing policies grounded in compassion, coexistence, and forward-looking conservation solutions.

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Source
https://coloradosun.com/2025/09/05/wolves-headline-talk-at-colorado-governors-mansion/