Wolf Conservation Center Blog
In honor of Women’s History Month, we are proud to spotlight the incredible women who power our mission each and every day. At the Wolf Conservation Center, our work to protect and preserve wolves would not be possible without the dedication, expertise, and compassion of the women on our team. From animal care and research to education, advocacy, communications, and development, women play a vital role in every aspect of our organization. We are deeply grateful for the knowledge, leadership, and heart that our team brings to this work every day. To the women who care for the wolves, who analyze the data, who educate the public, who build partnerships, and who champion our mission: thank you. Your work matters. Your voices matter. And because of you, wolves have a stronger future. This month and every month, we celebrate you. Leila Wetmore, CEO Leila has been an environmental activist and…
The Arizona Game and Fish Department and the New Mexico Game and Fish Department announced today that the number of Mexican gray wolves living across Arizona and New Mexico has increased from 286 in 2024 to 319 in 2025 (an increase of 33 wolves). There is an interesting “Catch 22” that comes along with this seemingly positive news that is associated with a problem with the current management protocols of the species. Genetic Diversity Waning As the Mexican gray wolf population grows in the wild, and efforts to introduce genetic diversity stagnate, it will become more challenging to improve the declining genetic diversity of the endangered species. In 2025, the mean kinship of the wild population, or measure of relatedness, was 0.2404; full siblings have a mean kinship of 0.25. The resumption of captive-to-wild releases of family groups, in addition to the pup fostering technique currently employed by the Mexican…
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – A newly revealed U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service document allows Catron County ranchers to kill any one endangered Mexican gray wolf who happens to be in the area of two grazing allotments near Quemado, New Mexico. The permit doesn’t identify which wolf the ranchers can shoot, nor does it specify livestock lost to wolves preceding this kill authorization. Several wolf families are in the area, including a likely pregnant, genetically valuable female wolf of the Elk Horn pack who was named Nora by the Endangered Wolf Center in Missouri before she was released into the Arizona wild as a pup in 2020. Nora is one of the 21% of genetically valuable captive-born pups known to have survived such releases without their birthparents. “The permit allows the permittees to kill any wolf they see on private or federal land, in retribution for alleged and undisclosed livestock losses. This…
House Passes Funding Bill Attacking Wolves, Wildlife
The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Fiscal Year 2025 House Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Act (H.R. 8998) today, approving massive spending cuts to federal agencies…
Ready for a Challenge? Race Like a Wolf Registration is Open!
The Wolf Conservation Center’s virtual race challenge is back! Race Like a Wolf is a global virtual event that challenges wolf lovers around the world to run, walk, hike, or…
WCC mourns loss of Mexican gray wolf pup
Dear friends, It is with sadness that we share devastating news; Zeppelin, one of Mexican gray wolf Trumpet’s pups, died unexpectedly this week, and the cause of death is inconclusive.…
Officially introducing: Ikal!
We’re beyond excited to introduce you to: Ikal, Mayan for “Spirit”! Back in April, we were thrilled when mom Trumpet and dad Lighthawk welcomed seven adorable Mexican gray wolf pups…
Conservation Groups Push for Releases of Mexican Gray Wolf Families
A coalition of conservation organizations, including the Wolf Conservation Center, today requested that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service resume releasing captive-born Mexican gray wolf pairs together with their pups into Arizona…
Endangered Mexican Gray Wolf Pups Receive First Health Check
Big Milestones for Tiny Pups! Two months have flown by since Mexican gray wolf Trumpet welcomed her fifth litter of pups on Earth Day! Five of the pups were fostered…
Endangered Wolf Pups Fostered into Wild Den in New Mexico
During the early morning hours of May 5, 2024, five of Mexican gray wolf Trumpet’s newborn pups left for an exciting adventure – the siblings, one boy and four girls,…
Breaking: B’Earth of new pups on Earth Day!
Earth Day? Try B’earth Day! Mexican gray wolf Trumpet is in labor right now with her fifth litter of pups! Tune in via live webcam. Much as her parents before…
Wyoming Hunter Fined after Chasing Wolf on Snowmobile, Taking to Local Bar, and Shooting the Wolf
$250 fine reflects anti-wolf sentiment in state wildlife policies and highlights need for reform A Wyoming hunter was cited after chasing down a wolf on his snowmobile, injuring the wolf,…
Meet the Wolf Conservation Center’s Newly Named “Irish” Red Wolf!
Everyone is a little Irish on St. Patrick’s Day… including one of our red wolves! After months of waiting, one of the Wolf Conservation Center’s red wolves, formerly nicknamed PB,…
Exploring the Mystery of Melanistic Coyotes: Insights from Wolf Conservation Center Researchers
Melanistic coyotes, with their distinctive black coats, are a marvel in the eastern coyote populations, particularly in the southeastern United States. These rare creatures stand out starkly against both their…
Celebrating the Leading Ladies of the Wolf Conservation Center this International Women’s Day!
As we commemorate International Women’s Day, we’re thrilled to spotlight the remarkable female wolves that grace the Wolf Conservation Center with their presence. These wolves not only embody strength and…