Please note: The Wolf Conservation Center is offering limited onsite programming during this time. Please refer to our Program Calendar for a list of upcoming events or email us for more information. We are not accepting visitors that have not registered for a program in advance. Thank you for your anticipated understanding.
Visit the Wolf Conservation Center
Visit the Wolf Conservation Center (WCC) for a unique and educational experience! All of our education programs offer guests of all ages opportunities to not only learn about wolves but to see wolves too! Program lengths vary, but generally run approximately 1.5 hours.
The WCC's three 'ambassador wolves' reside on exhibit where they help teach the public about the importance and plight of wolves. To best prepare the critically endangered wolves who are candidates for wild-release, the center's 21 Mexican gray wolves and 12 red wolves reside off exhibit within the WCC's Endangered Species Facility.
All visitors are required to pre-register for a program - simply click on the event of your choice on the Program Calendar for additional information and registration! All children must be accompanied by an adult. The WCC reserves the right to cancel and refund any program due to a lack of registrants.
HOURS OF OPERATION
The WCC operates six days per week Tuesdays through Sundays. General office hours are 9:00 am - 5: 00 pm. The WCC is generally closed Mondays. The WCC reserves the right to cancel and refund any program due to a lack of registrants.
GUEST PARKING
For guests unable to walk up hills, or walk 100-200 yards, please email to visit@nywolf.org to request accomodations.
LODGING AND TRANSPORTATION
The WCC is located in South Salem, NY and can be accessed via public transportation. Visitors traveling from NYC can take the Metro-North Harlem Line to the Katonah station and then take a taxi to the WCC (approximately a 10-minute ride). Although Uber and Lyft are found in the surrounding areas, rides are not as prevalent as in more populated cities; please plan accordingly or use a taxi service.
GUEST HOSPITALITY
The WCC provides guests with three portable toilets and a hand-washing station.
WEATHER AND REFUND POLICY
WCC programs run rain or shine unless severe storms are in the forecast. In the event of severe weather, WCC staff will contact registered guests to inform of cancellations and to reschedule. You may obtain a refund (minus a $5 processing fee) up to 72 hours prior to your scheduled program by sending an email to visit@nywolf.org or by calling (914)763-2373. Individuals that wish to reschedule with less than 72 hours of notice are not guaranteed the opportunity to switch to another event. Exceptions may be made in emergency situations.
BE PREPARED
When spending time outdoors, it’s necessary to take precautions in order to prevent serious infections, especially Lyme disease. Lyme disease is an infection caused by bacteria and is spread by the bite of a deer tick. Not all deer ticks are infected, so not all tick bites will cause the disease. Despite this, the key thing to be aware of is prevention. Download and print prevention flyers offering great tips!
Dress as you would for any field trip: sturdy shoes, suntan lotion, mosquito repellent, clothing for whatever the season demands.
GUIDELINES AND RULES
The Wolf Conservation Center (WCC) is a smoke-free facility (this includes no juuls, e-cigarettes, vaping, drugs, or tobacco products of any kind).
- Visitors age 16 and under must be accompanied by a chaperone. Sleeping with Wolves registrants under age 18 must be accompanied by a chaperone.
- Touching or feeding the wolves is prohibited.
- Deposit trash in designated receptacles.
- Shirts and shoes are required at all times.
- We reserve the right to escort from WCC grounds any individuals or groups who are acting in ways deemed harmful to our animals, or that impinge upon the enjoyment of the park by other guests.
- Weapons of any kind are not allowed at the WCC.
- Alcohol is not permitted, unless provided by the WCC during specified programming.
We don’t allow visitors to have physical contact with our wolves, as they are wild animals and here to assist with education programs. A majority of our wolves are critically endangered red wolves and Mexican gray wolves and they reside at our center as part of federal recovery programs. As such, it is critical we safeguard their wild, elusive behavior and natural wariness of humans. Visitors are able to see our ambassador wolves quite closely and clearly through a fence and photos/videos are allowed.
SERVICE ANIMALS
In most settings, the presence of a service animal will not result in a fundamental alteration. However, there are some exceptions. At the Wolf Conservation Center, service animals are restricted from the wolf exhibit areas. Wolves are the natural competitors of dogs, and the presence of a dog would be disruptive, causing the exhibit wolves to become agitated and possibly behave aggressively toward one another.
Pets and service dogs in training are not permitted on WCC grounds. The Wolf Conservation Center will allow trained service animals to accompany their owners during the indoor educational portion of programs in the WCC classroom cabin only with advanced notice. Please contact us at visit@nywolf.org
Location
7 Buck Run, South Salem, NY 10590
