The Friends of the Yukon Wild Horses Society was founded out of a deep love and respect for the wild horses of the Yukon. Recognizing their role as a symbol of freedom and resilience in the region, our founders were inspired to create an organization that would protect and celebrate these majestic animals.
What began as a grassroots movement of concerned individuals has grown into a registered nonprofit with a dedicated team committed to monitoring, documenting, and protecting the wild horses of the Yukon.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Aud Fischer, a biologist, film maker and artist, turned her attention to the wild horses of the Ibex Valley, dedicating countless hours to documenting and filming their lives. Her work created an invaluable visual and narrative archive of these animals, showcasing their beauty and struggles while fostering a broader understanding and appreciation for their existence.
Aud’s advocacy grew into a Facebook community, “Yukon Wild Horses,” where enthusiasts shared photos, observations, and updates about the horses. This group became a vital platform for raising awareness about the challenges facing the Ibex Valley herds, from habitat loss to human interference.
So our society began with a simple question: Who speaks for the wild horses of the Yukon? This question drove Aud Fischer, to gather like-minded individuals who shared a vision of safeguarding these animals and their habitats for generations to come.
In November 2023, while searching for missing horses in the Stony Creek area, Aud discovered two well-known wild horses, Sundance and Storm, who were confirmed to have been shot. This discovery marked a turning point in her work. It prompted her to reanalyze existing footage and documentation, revealing a disturbing pattern.
Aud’s investigation into the deaths of other missing and injured horses over the past several years in the Ibex Valley strongly suggested that many of these incidents were not accidents or natural occurrences. Evidence pointed to deliberate shootings as the cause. This revelation highlighted a deeply troubling threat to the wild horse population and underscored the urgency of increased protections for these animals.
Aud’s research and discoveries have not only deepened public concern for the safety of the Ibex Valley horses but have resulted in the creation of the Friends of the Yukon Wild Horses Society. This organization stands as a testament to the urgent need for action, bringing together individuals and communities to advocate for the protection of wild horses and their habitats.
In its early days, the Society was a small group of volunteers committed to observing and learning about Yukon’s wild horse herds. As we documented their behavior and habitat needs, it became clear that these horses needed a collective voice.
Through collaboration with local communities, Indigenous groups, and conservationists, we transformed a shared vision into a society dedicated to making a difference.
The roots of the Friends of the Yukon Wild Horses Society lie in the unyielding passion of its members. Our journey started with documenting wild horse populations in the Ibex Valley and beyond, and our passion grew as we witnessed the beauty and challenges these animals face in their natural environment.
Through continued outreach, education, and collaboration, the Society strives to prevent further harm to the herds and to ensure that these majestic animals can thrive in Yukon’s unique ecosystems. Aud’s work has laid the foundation for meaningful change, inspiring a growing movement to protect the wild horses of the Yukon for generations to come.
Today, that passion continues to drive us forward as we work to protect their right to exist, raise awareness, and engage communities.
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