European grey wolf

Canis lupus lupus

Three European grey wolves walking together. One is slightly further ahead than the other two. IMAGE: Amy Middleton 2023

Status

NE DD LC NT VU EN CR EW EX

For more info on classifications visit www.iucnredlist.org

We have a small pack of European grey wolves here at Highland Wildlife Park - Merrick, Storr, Beinn and Chonzie. You can see them exploring in Wolf Wood, which was opened by our royal patron HRH The Princess Royal in 2010.

Population

stable_population_icon

Stable

Diet

carnivore_diet_icon

Carnivore

Habitat

forest_habitat_icon

Forest

Fact file

  • Wolves used to be found throughout much of the northern hemisphere, including here in Scotland. They have suffered a huge decline and become extinct through much of their former range

  • Wolves are one of the most influential ecosystem engineers, creating habitats for an abundance of species

  • They are a very intelligent and social species. Howling is an important part of wolf communication – calling pack members to a hunt, as an alarm, to locate pack members across large distances, and for pack bonding

European grey wolf surrounded by trees looking to the right IMAGE: Amy Middleton 2023

How we're helping

Like all the animals in our care, our wolves are amazing ambassadors for their relatives in the wild and help hundreds of thousands of people connect with nature every year. They encourage visitors to learn about the threats facing wildlife and the action they can take to help create a world where nature is protected, valued, and loved.

As a wildlife conservation charity, we care for the animals here at the park and work to protect species at risk around the world. From providing expertise in genetics and veterinary health to protecting wild places with local conservation partners, and even restoring threatened species to the wild, we are active where we are needed most.

Find out more about RZSS conservation