Atka, the Wolf Conservation Center’s ambassador wolf, is beginning his retirement this year after 13 years of service. He’ll make one of his final public appearances at Redding’s New Pond Farm on Saturday, Jan. 16 from 2 to 3 p.m.“Although he’s doing absolutely great, we’re easing him into retirement,” said Maggie Howell, the conservation center’s director. The conservation center is located in South Salem, N.Y.“He’s been doing a really good job for over a decade, so we’re limiting programming to make everything local, and not scheduling anything beyond what we’ve already scheduled,” she said.Atka began a career as an ambassador wolf because his natural demeanor is “weird” for a wolf, Howell said.“He’s a very poor representative of a wolf because he’s so incredibly comfortable in his role. Wild wolves would not take to this kind of life. They don’t want to be close to people,” she said. “He’s fabulous, but he’s a weird guy and we love him for that. He really has been such a wonderful educator for us for many years.”According to New Pond Farm, the program will include “an awe-inspiring, up-close encounter with this important but misunderstood predator.”Each time Atka visits a location, WCC representatives give an educational presentation before bringing Atka out on a leash with a handler.“We don’t let people pet Atka, and we ask them to be respectful, and be quiet,” Howell said. “But we don’t have to remind people of the rules very often. Just seeing this majestic creature brings respect out of people.”WCCThe WCC is home to a variety of wolf species, including the well-known ambassador arctic gray wolf, Atka, as well as Alawa and Zephyr, two relatively new Canadian/Rocky Mountain gray wolf pups — a subspecies that has traditionally inhabited parts of the western United States, western Canada, and Alaska.In total, 22 wolves live on the center’s 26 acres off Buck Run in South Salem, including 14 Mexican gray wolves and five red wolves, of which there are fewer than 300 in the world, making it one of the rarest mammals in North America, according to the WCC.Gray wolves once roamed across most of the United States, Howell said, and are more than a symbol of wilderness. Scientists agree that the wolf is a keystone species and its presence is critical to maintaining the integrity of native ecosystems. While nearly hunted and trapped to extinction or captivity as the red wolf was, today, thanks to the safety net of the Endangered Species Act, wolves are slowly recovering in wild places across the Great Lakes, northern Rockies and the Southwest, Howell said.By providing science-based education programming with Atka, the Wolf Conservation Center encourages a philosophy of respect for all living things. “Nature is essential for the physical and emotional health of children and adults,” the group said. “Atka the wolf helps forge that connection.”The event is open to all ages.The cost is $10 per New Pond Farm member, or $15 per non-member.Registration is required, and space is limited. Visit New Pond Farm online at www.newpondfarm.org or call 203-938-2117 to register.New Pond Farm Education Center is located at 101 Marchant Road, Redding.