Civitella Alfedena, an ancient village in the heart of the National Park of Abruzzo, held a recent celebration in honour of its wolf population. The Operation San Francesco, named after the well-known legend of St. Francis of Assisi and the wolf, was launched in 1970 by the Italian branch of the WWF (World Wildlife Fund) in order to save Italian wolves from extinction.The campaign has been so successful that 50-60 of the species now thrive in the wilds of Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise and the wolf population has spread to other Italian regions. Civitella Alfedena is at the heart of the Save the Wolf Campaign, with its museum and wolf sanctuary where visitors can observe the animals under care. Thanks to these attractions, the village has now become a popular attraction for tourists and nature lovers.The National Park of Abruzzo is one of central Italy's loveliest unspoiled areas, full of nature trails and charming mountain villages. In addition to the wolf, it is home to chamois and the elusive Marsican bear, as well as many birds and smaller animals.
Info: www.parks.it/parco.nazionale.abruzzo
