Lisa, student Master's degree in Conservation Ecology and Ecological Engineering

I spent five amazing days in the field as part of the Eduwolf program! This internship combines all the skills and knowledge needed to gain a comprehensive understanding of the socio-ecological conflict posed by the coexistence of wolves and pastoralism in Switzerland.

I had the opportunity to spend a night in a mountain pasture and have a very enriching discussion with a farmer about protective measures, managing his guardian dogs, and how he feels about the presence of a wolf pack on his alpine pasture.

The following days were spent checking and viewing video traps, looking for signs of presence, observing wildlife during the day and at night (special mention to the two deer that came within 6 meters of us!), a comprehensive lecture on wolves, their ecology and ethology, the political and legal situation regarding their regulation in Switzerland, and a workshop on wolf genetics. All this was punctuated by interesting and friendly discussions with Isabelle, Sonny and several members of the Eduwolf & Mission Loup team.

I highly recommend this experience because I came away with a solid and comprehensive knowledge base that has given me greater confidence on the subject, but also because of the richness of the exchanges with the various speakers and the beauty of the Swiss Alps. I would like to warmly thank Isabelle for her excellent guidance. I hope to see you again soon!

June 2025

Lou, political science student

“My research project takes me into the field, in Valais, alongside Eduwolf & Mission Loup. My study explores the question: ”What would a democratic model that includes animals look like?" In particular, I analyze the interactions between farmers and cows, as well as those between humans and wolves. These two species are at the heart of political debates in Switzerland, caught between tradition and recent regulations.

I meet up with Isabelle, who welcomes me with her piercing blue eyes and infectious energy. We begin the climb to Arsène's pack territory. Snow quickly covers the ground. Isabelle spots tracks, analyzes droppings, and smells wolf excrement.

Her experience and intuition in the field fascinate me.

When we arrive at the camera trap, we look at the latest images: deer, chamois, foxes, but no wolves. While she replaces the batteries, we discuss the tensions between farmers and wolf advocates. Isabelle offers me a nuanced view of the players involved and the complex political issues that divide the two sides.

Throughout the day, she shares fascinating stories about the local wildlife and strategies for coexisting with wolves. Her commitment to harmonious coexistence between humans and nature is palpable. Her storytelling talent makes every moment captivating, and the hours fly by without me noticing.

At the end of the afternoon, we head back down, leaving the wolf territory behind us. Invisible but present, they inhabit this landscape that I now see in a different light. This day has enriched me and allowed me to gather essential data for my research. Thank you to Eduwolf & Mission Loup!"

March 2025

 

Céline, psychology student

"My internship with Eduwolf/Mission was a very enriching experience. Despite its short duration (5 days), I had the opportunity to gain an overview of the socio-ecological conflict surrounding the wolf. No time to waste! The course was packed with both theoretical information (genetics, ethology, legislation, etc.) and practical work. I am thinking in particular of the 24 hours spent in the mountains with a shepherd, his sheep and his guard and herding dogs. This immersion is necessary for anyone interested in wolves! Monitoring and diurnal and nocturnal observation completed the practical side. This course had a real practical/theoretical balance and an overall vision, which made it very stimulating. I would like to deeply thank Eduwolf and the breeder for demonstrating great passion in their transmission of knowledge."

August 2024

Jo & Ruth, biology students

"We are two students studying for a Master's degree in TROPIMUNDO (Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's degree in Tropical Biodiversity and Ecosystems) and we were able to accompany Eduwolf/Mission Loup in July 2024, for 7 days. We are very interested in socio-ecological systems. We had the chance to discover the beautiful mountains of Valais, in Switzerland. The meetings and explanations of each person who is passionate about nature were very enriching: this week was a source of great debate between us, because the conflict sometimes seems to be a Human-Human conflict instead of a Human-Wildlife conflict.

We also had the chance to follow Mission Loup during the day, but also in the evening, in search of wolves and camera traps. We also accompanied Yves, an impressive snake expert, and spent 24 hours with Damien, a shepherd who has decided to accept and coexist with the wolf. We slept one night in a cabin, in the middle of the herd, the guard dogs and the wolves. We thank Eduwolf/Mission Loup for giving us such a warm welcome, without a care in the world, for transporting us between all those mountains, and for explaining to us in depth this growing conflict in Europe."

July 2024

Alternative placements - S.A.P.

"We were lucky enough to have Eduwolf come and introduce us to the world of this predator, and it was a real treat! The young people were completely captivated by the presentation and workshops, and we could have stayed there discussing the subject for hours. Thank you to Sonny and Isabelle for their enthusiasm, their pleasure in sharing their knowledge, and their ability to adapt to our audience."

March 2025