Grupo Lobo is a non-governmental and non-profit organization founded in 1985 and overseen by the University of Lisbon.
They work toward the conservation of the wolf and the wolves’ habitat in Portugal, where the wolf population has been in rapid decline for many decades. This organisation was set up because there was a need to publicise the real facts about wolves.
For a long time man has habitually looked upon this predator as a threat to humans and although this exaggerated view has now been proved to be entirely erroneous, the real truth about the wolf is still slow to get through to everyone. 
The Grupo Lobo activities are part of a dynamic process involving further research on the wolf as well as spreading the scientifically proven facts to the general public.
The wolf is one of those species whose area of distribution has substantially declined in all parts of the globe; it is necessary to take positive and fast action if we want to avoid the very real danger of wolf extinction. Bearing in mind the population status of this carnivore, in 1987 the Grupo Lobo, initiated a project called the Signatus Program – which aims to guarantee the wolf’s survival in Portugal through several actions, grouped into three different areas:
• Public Awareness
• Scientific Studies Support
• Promotion of Practical Conservation Measures
Iberian Wolf Recovery Centre (CRLI)
The Centre (Centro de Recuperação do Lobo Ibérico) CRLI was created in 1987 by the Grupo Lobo, to provide a suitable captive environment for wolves that cannot live in the wild. The centre is also the main way of promoting the Environmental Education Project and receives 6.000 visitors per year, mostly national and foreign students.
The CRLI is located about 30km north of Lisbon, near Mafra (GPS 38°57’40.02N 9°16’17.06W). It consists of 17 acres of forested and isolated valley where the wolves occupy several enclosures with dense vegetation and topography that provides optimal refuge and shelter for them. At the same time as providing the best care to the resident wolves, it’s also a great way to perform scientific studies about their social behaviour. In association with the field studies, Grupo Lobo aims to inform the general public of the wolf’s true nature.
The CRLI has a volunteer program available to people over 18 and interested in wildlife conservation. This program allows you to participate in daily activities, including feeding the animals and maintaining the Centre.
You can visit the centre to see the wolves in their natural habitat. Visits must be booked in advance and take the form of a 1 ½ hour guided tour. The tour can accommodate a maximum of 25 people and there are two tours per day; they can be in English if requested. The centre is open on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. It is important to note that cooler days are better to be able to see the wolves. The cost of entry is (under 4years are free), €4.00 for Under 18s and seniors, and €6.00 for adults.
You can also adopt a wolf from only €35 per year which includes a certificate, photo and newsletter.
You can buy items from the online shop and join the Facebook group. For more information telephone 261 785 037 or visit their website http://lobo.fc.ul.pt
Photo provided by Group Lobo.