Wolves Unleashed

By Andrew Simpson

Along with the internationally acclaimed and award-winning documentary film upon which this book is based, Wolves Unleashed takes the reader on an amazing journey that looks closely at Andrew Simpson’s relationship with one of nature’s most elusive, mythical and misunderstood animals.

As a professional animal trainer for the film industry, and having worked for almost every major Hollywood studio on over 100 productions, Andrew deals with numerous species on a regular basis. Thanks to his unique, personal affection for wolves and his worldwide reputation, he was asked to travel to Siberia to make one of the biggest wolf films ever produced, Loup (2009). Travelling from western Canada, Andrew, along with his team of handlers and the wolves he had raised since birth, stayed in a remote camp deep in the Siberian mountains of Russia, enduring harsh conditions in one of the coldest places on earth. Each day brought a new set of challenges, and Simpson was forced to reflect upon the impact that such a production would have on his relationship with his canid family.

At its core, Wolves Unleashed is about Simpson’s deep connection with the wolves he loves. The story reveals his emotional struggles as he wrestles with the decision to use his unique relationship against the animals and jeopardize the years spent building trust. As the pack overcomes their wild instincts in order to perform, it becomes clear that the bond between wolf and man is a testament to their mutual dedication and love.

• Language: English
• Publisher: RMB Rocky Mountain Books
• Release date: Oct 15, 2012
• ISBN: 9781927330180

Andrew Simpson

Andrew Simpson writes and lectures on the history of Chorlton-cum-Hardy and Manchester. He retired from teaching after thirty-five years and has been active in the politics of the city for over forty years. He is the author of The Story of Chorlton-cum- Hardy, has collaborated on Didsbury Through Time, The Story of Hough End Hall and Manchester Pubs, and is currently writing a book on the history of the Manchester and Salford Boys’ and Girls’ Refuges and Homes as well as also working on a history of Alexandra Park. Andrew lives in Chorlton.

Book preview

© Didier Langou

WOLVES

UNLEASHED

---

Andrew Simpson

Contents

Introduction

Acknowledgements

The Incredible Journey

Keep Me Warm

Reindeer and All Things Furry

Camp Life

The Ice Hole

Dragged Behind the Sled

Road Warriors

Running Free

Eat the Legs, Not the Actor!

Follow the Sled

Cameras, Cranes and Booms

Surprise Meal

Breathtaking Beauty

Show Me Your Teeth

Tiny Paws and Parenthood

The Wolf Den

The Team

Friendship and Forgiveness

Dedication

© Sylvain Bardoux

© Didier Langou

Introduction

Growing up in Scotland in an isolated area with only a few scattered houses, where the nearest town had less than 200 people, I never imagined I would end up travelling the world training animals for the film industry.

As a boy I was always fascinated by nature. From collecting tadpoles to finding an old bird’s nest, everything seemed unique to me in its own way. One of my junior-school report cards points out that … Andrew’s attention seems to focus on anything that moves, crawls or flies …

Our family always had at least one dog in the house. Once my brother Norman and I were old enough to have our own dog, the adventures began to happen. Scamp was our best friend, playing soccer, climbing up mountains and waiting for us after school. He was always there and stayed with my parents long after my brother and I had left home, until he died at age 18.

One day Norman and I were working outdoors on a snowy wet winter’s day. The night before, we had gone to see the Mel Gibson film The Road Warrior, which was set in Australia. During lunch, as we complained about the weather, Norman suggested I should go and see Australia, since it looked so great in the film. A few months later I left for the great land Down Under on an adventure that would change my life forever. I was 20 years old.

Back in the early eighties things were different. You could still board a plane with a knife in your pocket and it was relatively safe to travel around Australia with just a pack thrown over your shoulder, which I spent several months doing. During one of those months I came across a film being made close to Ayers Rock called A Cry in the Dark, which was based on a true story about a young baby being stolen from a couple’s tent by a wild dingo. I managed to get a job as an extra going up and down Ayers Rock several times a day, and during my spare time I would watch the filming. I was intrigued by