The Wolf Conservation Center (WCC), founded in 1999 by Hélène Grimaud, is a private, not-for-profit environmental education organization located in South Salem, NY.
The WCC’s mission is to promote wolf conservation by teaching about wolves, their relationship to the environment, and the human role in protecting their future. The WCC accomplishes this mission through onsite and offsite education programs emphasizing wolf biology, the ecological benefits of wolves and other large predators, and the current status of wolf recovery in the United States.
The WCC also participates in the Species Survival Plan (SSP) and Recovery Plan for two critically endangered wolf species, the Mexican gray wolf (Canis lupus baileyi) and the red wolf (Canis rufus). The Mexican gray wolf and the red wolf are among the rarest mammals in North America; both species at one time were completely extinct in the wild.
Presently there are approximately 400 Mexican gray wolves and 300 red wolves remaining in the world, the majority living within the network of facilities like the WCC participating in the SSP. Every one of these endangered wolves in captivity is a part of something bigger than their pack and the facilities that house them. These special canids are integral parts of the recovery of their rare species. Many of these wolves contribute as ambassadors, living on view at a variety of zoos throughout the United States to help people learn about the importance of their wild counterparts.
The WCC's 2 SSP exhibits offer visitors to the Center an opportunity to behold these species and our 8 WildEarthTV webcams extend 4 wolf families to a global audience. Some of these education wolves can also contribute to the revitalization of their species more directly as participants of the SSP Wolf Captive Breeding program. A special faction of captive wolves, however, can have the most direct impact on the conservation of their species as well as their ancestral habitat in the wilds of North America. These wolves are candidates for release into the wild. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), under the Endangered Species Act, is re-introducing Mexican gray wolves and red wolves to portions of their historic range, and 2 wolves from the WCC have been given this greatest opportunity - a chance to bring an ecosystem back to balance.
Looking forward, the WCC aims to become the pre-eminent facility in the Eastern United States for the captive breeding and pre-release of endangered canid species, and to continue expanding our education and outreach programs to communities far beyond the gates of our facility.
For more information visit our website: The Wolf Conservation Center
Wild for Wolves Homeschool Series (7-11 year olds)
Date: November 2, 2016
Time: 1 pm
Fee: $25 per child per class
Take a walk on the wild side and join us at the Wolf Conservation Center (WCC) as we explore the natural world and give the animal lover in your family a chance to thrive among wolves! The WCC’s educational and interactive classes are designed specifically for homeschool students and provide an in-depth study of wildlife biology and wolf ecology. The program includes opportunities for your child to:
- Learn all about wolves
- Analyze various case studies about the environment, wildlife policy, etc.
- Participate in various “field biology” activities – use radio telemetry, create wolf management plans, etc.
- Photograph the wolves from vantage points not generally available to the public
- Discover the various myths that surround wolves and create their own
Each session will run with a minimum of six children. Please note that one registration is for one student and one adult. If you plan on bringing additional people please contact us ( visit@nywolf.org) as space is very limited. Pre-registration is required.
Wild for Wolves Homeschool Series (12+ year olds)
Date: November 3, 2016
Time: 1 pm
Fee: $25 per child per class
Take a walk on the wild side and join us at the Wolf Conservation Center (WCC) as we explore the natural world and give the animal lover in your family a chance to thrive among wolves! The WCC’s educational and interactive classes are designed specifically for homeschool students and provide an in-depth study of wildlife biology and wolf ecology. The program includes opportunities for your child to:
- Learn all about wolves
- Analyze various case studies about the environment, wildlife policy, etc.
- Participate in various “field biology” activities – use radio telemetry, create wolf management plans, etc.
- Photograph the wolves from vantage points not generally available to the public
- Discover the various myths that surround wolves and create their own
Each session will run with a minimum of six children. Please note that one registration is for one student and one adult. If you plan on bringing additional people please contact us ( visit@nywolf.org) as space is very limited. Pre-registration is required.
Evening Howl for Adults Only
Date: November 4, 2016
Time: 6 pm
Fee: $20 per person
Join us for a special Evening Howl and enjoy visiting the wolves during their favorite hour - dusk. Learn about the mythology, biology and ecology of wolves in North America while enjoying a lovely spread of wine and cheese. Guests will take a short sunset hike to howl with Ambassador wolves Atka, Alawa, Nikai and Zephyr and behold the WCC’s critically endangered red wolves and Mexican wolves too. This program is for adults 21 years old and over. Pre-registration is required.
Pack Chat for Kids
Date: November 5, 2016
Time: 11 am
Fee: $14 – adults/ $11 – children under 12
This is the best introduction to wolves for families with young children. Kids will learn about the mythology surrounding wolves and the important role of wolves in the natural world. Guests will visit Ambassador Wolves Atka, Alawa, Nikai and Zephyr as well as the WCC’s critically endangered red wolves and Mexican gray wolves. Don’t forget the camera! Pre-registration is required.
Wolves of North America
Date: November 5, 2016
Time: 2 pm
Fee: $14 – adults / $11 – children under 12
Learn about the mythology, biology and ecology of wolf families and discover why it’s a special time for packs in North America. Whether the wolves are living on the Arctic tundra or the high desert of the southwest, wolf families are out searching for prey as their pups prepare for their first winter season! Guests will visit Ambassador Wolves Atka, Alawa, Nikai and Zephyr as well as the WCC’s critically endangered red wolves and Mexican gray wolves too. Pre-registration is required.
Wolves of North America
Date: November 6, 2016
Time: 11 am
Fee: $14 – adults / $11 – children under 12
Learn about the mythology, biology and ecology of wolf families and discover why it’s a special time for packs in North America. Whether the wolves are living on the Arctic tundra or the high desert of the southwest, wolf families are out searching for prey as their pups prepare for their first winter season! Guests will visit Ambassador Wolves Atka, Alawa, Nikai and Zephyr as well as the WCC’s critically endangered red wolves and Mexican gray wolves too. Pre-registration is required.
Southeastern Howls: America’s Wolf
Date: November 6, 2016
Time: 2 pm
Fee: $14 – adults / $11 – children under 12
The Wolf Conservation Center participates in the Species Survival Plan (SSP) and Recovery Plan for the critically endangered red wolf. But what does this really mean? Join us to learn what it takes to help save a species from the brink of extinction. Guests will get an inside look at the challenges currently facing the red wolf population both in the wild and captivity, and what these challenges mean for the future of this species. Guests will visit the WCC's Ambassador wolves as well as the WCC’s critically endangered red wolves and Mexican gray wolves. Pre-registration is required.
Wolves of North America on Veterans Day
Date: November 11, 2016
Time: 2 pm
Fee: $14 – adults / $11 – children under 12
Learn about the mythology, biology and ecology of wolf families and discover why it’s a special time for packs in North America. Whether the wolves are living on the Arctic tundra or the high desert of the southwest, wolf families are out searching for prey as their pups prepare for their first winter season! Guests will visit Ambassador Wolves Atka, Alawa, Nikai and Zephyr as well as the WCC’s critically endangered red wolves and Mexican gray wolves too. Pre-registration is required.
Early Morning Photo Session
Date: November 12, 2016
Time: 8 am – 10 am
Fee: $100 per person
Join us for this special opportunity to photograph the WCC’s Ambassador Wolves: Atka, Nikai, Alawa, and Zephyr! Guests will also be given access to photograph the WCC's critically endangered Mexican wolves and red wolves from vantage points not generally available during regular visits. Pre-registration is required. Space is very limited, so make your reservation early by visiting www.nywolf.org.
Pack Chat for Kids
Date: November 12, 2016
Time: 11 am
Fee: $14 – adults/ $11 – children under 12
This is the best introduction to wolves for families with young children. Kids will learn about the mythology surrounding wolves and the important role of wolves in the natural world. Guests will visit Ambassador Wolves Atka, Alawa, Nikai and Zephyr as well as the WCC’s critically endangered red wolves and Mexican gray wolves. Don’t forget the camera! Pre-registration is required.
Wolves of North America
Date: November 12, 2016
Time: 2 pm
Fee: $14 – adults / $11 – children under 12
Learn about the mythology, biology and ecology of wolf families and discover why it’s a special time for packs in North America. Whether the wolves are living on the Arctic tundra or the high desert of the southwest, wolf families are out searching for prey as their pups prepare for their first winter season! Guests will visit Ambassador Wolves Atka, Alawa, Nikai and Zephyr as well as the WCC’s critically endangered red wolves and Mexican gray wolves too. Pre-registration is required.
Wolves of North America
Date: November 13, 2016
Time: 11 am
Fee: $14 – adults / $11 – children under 12
Learn about the mythology, biology and ecology of wolf families and discover why it’s a special time for packs in North America. Whether the wolves are living on the Arctic tundra or the high desert of the southwest, wolf families are out searching for prey as their pups prepare for their first winter season! Guests will visit Ambassador Wolves Atka, Alawa, Nikai and Zephyr as well as the WCC’s critically endangered red wolves and Mexican gray wolves too. Pre-registration is required.
Full Moon Wolf Walk
Date: November 13, 2016
Time: 6 pm
Fee: $20 per person
Celebrate the October full moon with the Wolf Conservation Center’s 20+ moon-loving wolves! While enjoying Nature’s Autumn chatter by the WCC's outdoor fire pit, guests will enjoy seasonal treats and the symphony of howls from the wolves that call the WCC home. Guests will learn about the history of wolves in the United States, the importance of wolves in a healthy ecosystem, and the efforts to save these magnificent creatures for future generations. Guests will also take will take a short moonlit walk to visit Ambassador Wolves Atka, Alawa, Zephyr and Nikai! Please bring flashlights. Pre-registration is required.
Pack Chat for Kids
Date: November 19, 2016
Time: 11 am
Fee: $14 – adults/ $11 – children under 12
This is the best introduction to wolves for families with young children. Kids will learn about the mythology surrounding wolves and the important role of wolves in the natural world. Guests will visit Ambassador Wolves Atka, Alawa, Nikai and Zephyr as well as the WCC’s critically endangered red wolves and Mexican gray wolves. Don’t forget the camera! Pre-registration is required.
Wolves of North America
Date: November 13, 2016
Time: 2 pm
Fee: $14 – adults / $11 – children under 12
Learn about the mythology, biology and ecology of wolf families and discover why it’s a special time for packs in North America. Whether the wolves are living on the Arctic tundra or the high desert of the southwest, wolf families are out searching for prey as their pups prepare for their first winter season! Guests will visit Ambassador Wolves Atka, Alawa, Nikai and Zephyr as well as the WCC’s critically endangered red wolves and Mexican gray wolves too. Pre-registration is required.
Evening Howl for Adults Only
Date: November 19, 2016
Time: 6 pm
Fee: $20 per person
Join us for a special Evening Howl and enjoy visiting the wolves during their favorite hour - dusk. Learn about the mythology, biology and ecology of wolves in North America while enjoying a lovely spread of wine and cheese. Guests will take a short sunset hike to howl with Ambassador wolves Atka, Alawa, Nikai and Zephyr and behold the WCC’s critically endangered red wolves and Mexican wolves too. This program is for adults 21 years old and over. Pre-registration is required.
Wolves of North America
Date: November 20, 2016
Time: 11 am
Fee: $14 – adults / $11 – children under 12
Learn about the mythology, biology and ecology of wolf families and discover why it’s a special time for packs in North America. Whether the wolves are living on the Arctic tundra or the high desert of the southwest, wolf families are out searching for prey as their pups prepare for their first winter season! Guests will visit Ambassador Wolves Atka, Alawa, Nikai and Zephyr as well as the WCC’s critically endangered red wolves and Mexican gray wolves too. Pre-registration is required.
Fall Foliage Sunset Photo Session
Date: November 20, 2016
Time: 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Fee: $100 per person
Join us for this special opportunity to photograph the WCC’s Ambassador Wolves Atka , Nikai, Alawa, and Zephyr in the warm glow of the sunset! Guests will also be given access to photograph the WCC's critically endangered Mexican wolves and red wolves from vantage points not generally available during regular visits. Pre-registration is required. Space is very limited, so make your reservation early!
Pack Chat for Kids
Date: November 25, 2016
Time: 11 am
Fee: $14 – adults/ $11 – children under 12
This is the best introduction to wolves for families with young children. Kids will learn about the mythology surrounding wolves and the important role of wolves in the natural world. Guests will visit Ambassador Wolves Atka, Alawa, Nikai and Zephyr as well as the WCC’s critically endangered red wolves and Mexican gray wolves. Don’t forget the camera! Pre-registration is required.
Wolves of North America
Date: November 25, 2016
Time: 2 pm
Fee: $14 – adults / $11 – children under 12
Learn about the mythology, biology and ecology of wolf families and discover why it’s a special time for packs in North America. Whether the wolves are living on the Arctic tundra or the high desert of the southwest, wolf families are out searching for prey as their pups prepare for their first winter season! Guests will visit Ambassador Wolves Atka, Alawa, Nikai and Zephyr as well as the WCC’s critically endangered red wolves and Mexican gray wolves too. Pre-registration is required.
Evening Howl for Pups of All Ages
Date: November 25, 2016
Time: 5 pm
Fee: $16 – adults / $13 – children under 12
Enjoy visiting the wolves during their favorite hour - dusk. Learn about the mythology, biology and ecology of wolf families and discover why November is a magical time for packs in North America. Guests will take a short sunset hike to howl with Ambassador wolves Atka, Alawa, Nikai and Zephyr and behold the WCC’s critically endangered red wolves and Mexican wolves. All guests will be served weather appropriate treats. Please bring flashlights. Pre-registration is required.
Wolves of North America
Date: November 26, 2016
Time: 11 am
Fee: $14 – adults / $11 – children under 12
Learn about the mythology, biology and ecology of wolf families and discover why it’s a special time for packs in North America. Whether the wolves are living on the Arctic tundra or the high desert of the southwest, wolf families are out searching for prey as their pups prepare for their first winter season! Guests will visit Ambassador Wolves Atka, Alawa, Nikai and Zephyr as well as the WCC’s critically endangered red wolves and Mexican gray wolves too. Pre-registration is required.
Pack Chat for Kids
Date: November 26, 2016
Time: 2 pm
Fee: $14 – adults/ $11 – children under 12
This is the best introduction to wolves for families with young children. Kids will learn about the mythology surrounding wolves and the important role of wolves in the natural world. Guests will visit Ambassador Wolves Atka, Alawa, Nikai and Zephyr as well as the WCC’s critically endangered red wolves and Mexican gray wolves. Don’t forget the camera! Pre-registration is required.
Evening Howl for Adults Only
Date: November 26, 2016
Time: 5 pm
Fee: $20 per person
Join us for a special Evening Howl and enjoy visiting the wolves during their favorite hour - dusk. Learn about the mythology, biology and ecology of wolves in North America while enjoying a lovely spread of wine and cheese. Guests will take a short sunset hike to howl with Ambassador wolves Atka, Alawa, Nikai and Zephyr and behold the WCC’s critically endangered red wolves and Mexican wolves too. This program is for adults 21 years old and over. Pre-registration is required.
Wolves of North America
Date: November 27, 2016
Time: 11 am
Fee: $14 – adults / $11 – children under 12
Learn about the mythology, biology and ecology of wolf families and discover why it’s a special time for packs in North America. Whether the wolves are living on the Arctic tundra or the high desert of the southwest, wolf families are out searching for prey as their pups prepare for their first winter season! Guests will visit Ambassador Wolves Atka, Alawa, Nikai and Zephyr as well as the WCC’s critically endangered red wolves and Mexican gray wolves too. Pre-registration is required.
