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
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