In 2009, Paula Ficara and Steve Wastell discovered a place that would change the course of their lives forever: a young wolfdog rescue just getting its start in Los Angeles County. With a lifelong love of wildlife, particularly wolves, they found themselves spending more time and passion volunteering there than they were in their own respective careers. So they combined the two, and five years later, they created Apex Protection Project, which has been “Protecting Nature’s Protectors” since then.

Apex has helped rescue and rehabilitate 75+ wolves and wolfdogs, as well as organize and lead advocacy on behalf of the species, and create educational opportunities to widen the net of allies to these animals that have so much to teach us all.

With Apex, Paula and Steve’s goal is “to continue the quest of protecting wolves and wolfdogs through educational experiences, rescue, and advocacy with the dream of living in a world where the wolf and all species are highly valued, protected and respected for the balance they bring to the ecosystem and for the gifts they offer to humanity.”