Gudrun Pflüger was born in Graz, Austria, on August 18, 1972. Shortly after receiving her master’s degree in Biology at the University of Salzburg in 2000, she applied for a volunteer position at the Central Rockies Wolf Project, and made Canmore her home for the foreseeable future. This opportunity ended up being a gateway to Gudrun’s work with wolves – her legacy has since been shaped by the work she would do in the years to come, as a researcher, activist, author and speaker.
In 2005, shortly after her infamous encounter with the coastal wolves, she was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumor. During the initial treatments, Gudrun’s positive outlook and determination touched many folks in the Bow Valley and the Kootenays.
In 2008 Gudrun became a mother and moved back to Austria to be with her family.
Gudrun died on August 17, 2023 after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
