EUROPEAN GREY WOLF Canis lupus lupus

Wolves are the most popular animals in the Highland Wildlife Park. Their wonderful enclosure, known as the Wolf Territory, was designed to benefit both the wolves and our visitors. The enclosure covers almost two hectares and it provides the wolves with an excellent vantage point overlooking the Park. It also gives the visitors equally awe inspiring views of the wolves themselves.

Our wolf pack can be seen from the main reserve and on the walk to the View Point. The perimeter fence is close to the road leading through the main reserve, so visitors will see straight into the enclosure from the comfort of their own car. On foot, as you head up towards the viewpoint in the walk round area, venture along a raised boardwalk to a sheltered viewing platform in the heart of the enclosure. This gives an uninterrupted view up the bank, with the wolves at eye level. The enclosure takes in an area of birch woodland with views down to the lower pasture. The territory extends northwards to include an enormous boulder, a glacial erratic boulder, which is often used by the wolves as a “council rock”.

Wolves are highly intelligent animals with a complex social structure. Almost all pack members are related and this blood tie makes it profitable for the animals to work co-operatively. Pack size is restricted by the size and abundance of food as well as habitat. A fierce hierarchy exists between pack members and breeding only takes place between the alpha male and alpha female (the highest ranking male and female). Should one of the alpha pair die, chaos ensues in the pack as the original hierarchy breaks down and another evolves.

Wolves well down the hierarchy will show submissive behaviour to other pack members. This is characterised by a cringing posture with the tail between the legs. A dominant animal will hold its tail high and will not be usurped by any other member of the pack.

All pack members participate in hunting. Our wolves are fed a variety of meats. Vitamin and mineral supplements are given regularly and we have five wolves at present. For more information on wolf conservation and for further links contact:
The Wolf Society of Great Britain
International Wolf Centre, Ely, Minnesota