Edmonton Valley Zoo’s Arctic wolves enter new ‘naturalized’ habitat, hope to grow pack
Posted March 20, 2025 9:12 pm.
Last Updated March 20, 2025 9:14 pm.
It’s moving day for the Edmonton Valley Zoo’s three Arctic wolves, as they head into a new 5,000 square metre facility fit for one of the fiercest predators in the world.
Aspen and Anuri — two of the wolves — came over from France last year to be with Tundra who is slowly being introduced to the two female wolves.
Arctic wolves are natively from the extreme north of Canada, normally feeding on caribou, voles, and birds. While the trio won’t be hunting for their dinner here, zookeepers are hoping this habitat is just like home.
“Their new building in this exhibit has heating, it also has a/c so that in the summer they have a cool place to retreat. As well, we have a large water feature, lots of different shades,” explained Laura Castor, the operations manager at the Edmonton Valley Zoo.
The new home was funded by donors including the provincial government and built by the non-profit valley zoo development society.
“30-50 other donors who came to the table. It was a $1.8 million project, fully funded,” said Tammy Wiebe, the executive director of the Valley Zoo Development Society.
The zoo’s ultimate goal is to grow the pack. Once Tundra, the male, gets comfortable around his new roommates.
“We may see some successful breeding in the future so we’ll have to see.”
Then they’ll be howling the night away.
