We recently connected with Anjali Ranadive and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Anjali thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

I founded Women for Wolves in 2013 while studying at UC Berkeley, driven by my lifelong passion for animals and a desire to create a space where young women could come together to protect wildlife. My mission became deeply personal when I rescued a wolf-dog named Diamond from a local shelter. In that moment, I learned a heartbreaking reality: 90% of wolf-dogs that enter shelters are euthanized. Diamond not only opened my eyes to the urgent need for rescue and advocacy, but she also saved my life during a time when I was struggling with my mental health. Her impact inspired me to expand Women for Wolves into a nonprofit dedicated to wild wolves, wolf-dogs, and women. Every rescue is a tribute to Diamond and a step toward a future where wolves and wolf-dogs are understood, protected, and given the chance to thrive.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’ve always felt an indescribable kinship with wolves—their majestic presence, their deep loyalty to family, and the undeniable magic that seems to follow them wherever they go. Growing up, it frustrated me to see them villainized in fairytales like *Little Red Riding Hood. Our connection to wolves is ancient. They are not only the ancestors of the dogs we cherish today, but also vital to the balance of our ecosystems. Their story is intertwined with ours, yet they continue to be misunderstood and persecuted. It’s time to change the narrative and recognize wolves for what they truly are—guardians of the wild, symbols of resilience, and beings worthy of respect and protection.

In a world where wildlife is disappearing at an alarming rate and shelters are overflowing with abandoned and neglected animals, it is more important than ever to take action and speak for the voiceless. A world with more compassion is a better world for all. Wild wolves are being slaughtered daily in some of the most brutal ways since their removal from the Endangered Species Act.

Our mission at Women for Wolves is to change the narrative— to rebrand the wolf through education, advocacy for stronger protections, lobbying, and supporting human-wildlife conflict programs to reduce unnecessary killings. Beyond advocacy, we are committed to rescuing and providing sanctuary for wolf-dogs who have been abandoned, displaced, or abused.

Today, we are home to 27 rescued wolf-dogs, who serve as ambassadors for their wild counterparts, helping us educate the next generation on the importance of protecting both wolves and wolf-dogs. As our mission has grown, I’ve come to realize that it’s about more than just wolves— it’s about empowering future generations and young women to step into leadership roles in conservation.

Through our volunteer programs and job opportunities, we’ve supported nearly 50 women in gaining experience in conservation and animal behavior. As Clarissa Pinkola Estés once said, “Women and wolves are relational by nature.” Both have been persecuted, misunderstood, and pushed to the edges of society, yet both are resilient, powerful, and deeply connected to the wild. At Women for Wolves, we believe they both deserve to be protected, cherished, and given a voice.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I come from a fortunate background and a loving family, but I’ve struggled with mental health for most of my life. For over 20 years, I was an avid self-harmer, but animals became my lifeline. Rescuing and protecting them gave me purpose, and I always felt they understood me in a way people couldn’t. From a young age I volunteered at the Monterey Bay Aquarium and various animal rescues. My connection with animals deepened when I rescued Diamond. I felt I had met my soul sister in a wolf-dog. She came into my life when I needed her most, and through her, I discovered the heartbreaking reality of what happens to most wolf-dogs brought into this world. I knew I had to help. I started calling shelters, asking them to contact us before euthanizing a wolf-dog so we could step in, get them vetted, and find them sanctuary. With my mother’s help, I was able to start my own sanctuary in LA County, originally known as Jaws and Paws, where we provided a home for 20 rescued wolf-dogs. Over time, I saw our volunteer program become a sanctuary not just for animals, but for women from all demographics as well—offering healing, purpose, and connection. Today, through Women for Wolves, our mission continues. What started as a personal journey has grown into a movement dedicated to rescuing wolf-dogs, protecting wild wolves, and empowering people to heal alongside them.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Our mission has evolved and transformed over the years, taking us on an incredible journey. We began in 2013 as Jaws and Paws, focused on raising awareness for both sharks and wolves while bringing together young women passionate about protecting endangered species. Everything changed when we began rescuing wolf-dogs, as our efforts led to opening the sanctuary. Then, when COVID hit, we had to pivot again, adapting to new challenges and opportunities.

During the pandemic fundraising became difficult, and we couldn’t host public outreach events—one of our main ways to generate support for our wolf-dog rescues and wild wolf advocacy work. Like so many others, we had to pivot, shifting our focus to virtual platforms and social media. At first, this was a challenge, but it ultimately became a key part of our growth. We learned to adapt quickly, refining our approach to conservation and advocacy. We developed consistency in creating and rolling out content, expanded our fundraising efforts, and even launched digital scholarships for women in conservation. This shift allowed us to deepen our impact, growing beyond rescue work to become more involved in research, policy, and education—expanding our mission and doubling our reach.

Through our evolutions, we discovered our true mission and purpose: wild wolf conservation, wolf-dog rescue, and women’s empowerment—interwoven into one movement as Women for Wolves.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.womenforwolves.org
• Instagram: @womenforwolves