Wolf Conservation Center

The Wolf Conservation Center in upstate New York is spreading awareness about the environmental  importance of wolves in the coolest of ways.

The MISSION of the Wolf Conservation Center (WCC) is to teach people about wolves, their relationship to the environment, and the human role in protecting their future.

Why is it important?

Founded by Hélène Grimaud in 1999, the Wolf Conservation Center (WCC) is a not-for-profit environmental education organization working to protect and preserve wolves in North America through science-based education, advocacy, and participation in the federal recovery and release programs for two critically endangered wolf species - the Mexican gray wolf and red wolf. 

At one point, Mexican gray wolves and red wolves were declared to be extinct in the wild. Through intensive efforts, such as captive breeding and wild releases, these wolves have resumed their rightful places on the wild landscape. The Wolf Conservation Center participates in the Species Survival Plan (SSP) and Recovery Plan for these critically endangered and important animals. 

Since 2003 the WCC has played a critical role in preserving and protecting these imperiled species through carefully managed breeding and reintroduction. To date, the WCC remains one of the three largest holding facilities for these rare species and seven wolves from the Center have been given the extraordinary opportunity to resume their rightful place on the wild landscape.

How do they do it?

The WCC's three “ambassador wolves” reside on exhibit where they help teach the public about the importance and plight of wolves. Wolves have been demonized and misunderstood for much of human history. Because wolves are highly politicized animals, common misconceptions about wolves can cause real harm. Helping to correct this misinformation is an effective way to help wolves. 

The WCC's three ambassador wolves Alawa, Zephyr, and Nikai, reside on exhibit where they help teach the public about the importance and plight of wolves and their vital role in the environment. Through these wolves, the WCC teaches the broader message of conservation, ecological balance, and personal responsibility for improved human stewardship of our World. In addition, the WCC provides great opportunities for researchers to gather unique data from captive wolves.

To best prepare the critically endangered wolves who are candidates for wild release, the center's 21 Mexican gray wolves and 10 red wolves reside off-exhibit within the WCC's Endangered Species Facility.

How you can #TravelKindly: 

• Choose the Wolf Conservation Center as your local charity when you book your hotel with Kind Traveler.
• Visit the Wolf Conservation Center (WCC) for a unique and educational experience. All their educational programs offer guests of all ages opportunities to not only learn about wolves but to see wolves up close and personal. All visitors are required to pre-register for a program, simply visit the extensive Program Calendar for additional information and registration.
• Teach your youngsters about the importance of wolf and ecological conservation through the Backyard Activities Guide
• If possible, full a need from WCC’s Amazon Wishlist
• For a unique experience under the stars, visitors can Sleep with Wolves, the Wolf Conservation Center's (WCC) popular nocturnal adventure experience, gives guests a chance to camp out overnight with the 30+ wolves that call the WCC home.