This week (October 19th – 25th) we join wildlife lovers worldwide in celebrating Wolf Awareness Week 2025, a time to recognise one of natures most fascinating, intelligent and misunderstood animals.
Wolves have shared the landscape with humans for thousands of years, inspiring stories of admiration, reverence, and unfortunately for some, fear. Many cultures have depicted wolves as dangerous or cunning villains, the “Big Bad Wolf” lurking in fairy tales and folklore. Yet others have seen wolves as spiritual relatives, or “kin,” embodying strength, loyalty, and wisdom.
Examples of this cultural reverence include:
- Native American groups, particularly on the Northwest Coast, where wolves are honoured as ancestral figures and crest animals.
- Turkic peoples (West, Central, East, and North Asia as well as parts of Europe), whose myths often trace their own origins back to wolves.
- Slavic and Balkan traditions, in which wolves appear in folklore and spiritual tales, sometimes carrying sacred significance.
This mix of fear and respect reflects the complex relationship humans have had with wolves throughout history. Wolves are not only woven into our cultural imagination but have also shaped our biological history.
Wolves are the ancestors of domestic dogs, and both belong to the Canidae family. Humans likely began forming mutually beneficial partnerships with wolves between 14,000 and 29,000 years ago. Some researchers believe wolf pups drawn to human camps were given scraps of food. The friendlier, less fearful pups survived and bred, passing on traits that eventually gave rise to the dogs we know and love today.
Yet despite this shared history, wolves remain wild at heart, independent, intelligent, and vital to the balance of nature. As apex predators, they feed on everything from small rodents to large ungulates, regulating prey populations and maintaining the health of ecosystems. When wolves disappear, prey species can grow unchecked, leading to overgrazing, soil erosion, and the collapse of plant and animal diversity.
In other words, the same animals that have inspired awe, fear, and stories across cultures are also ecosystem engineers, caretakers of the wild whose value goes far beyond the myths we tell.
Iberian Wolf
When most people think of wolves, the grey wolf comes to mind. But there are many subspecies, including the Iberian wolf (Canis lupus signatus), found only in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula, which includes northwestern Spain and northern Portugal.
Like many wolf species worldwide, Iberian wolves face serious threats: habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and illegal hunting. Although hunting is banned, an estimated 45% of Iberian wolf deaths are still caused by humans, and populations are fragmented, with wild populations estimated to be between 2,000 and 3,000 individuals. Conservation efforts are vital to ensure these wolves do not disappear from the Iberian Peninsula.
At Dartmoor Zoo, we are proud to provide a safe and stimulating home for two Iberian wolf brothers, Raul and Gregorio, now in their golden years at around 13–14 years old. Ella Hopper, one of our dedicated keepers, shares insight into her work with them:
“Working with the brothers has been challenging but incredibly rewarding. They have gone from animals that lack trust and need to build their confidence, to waiting for me to arrive at training time which is incredibly heartwarming and truly represents the bond we have been able to build. Seeing their faces eagerly looking for me is exactly why we do the job we do. My training has solely been to create a positive relationship between our wolves and keepers by building this up over time and with our presence.
Wolves take a lot of time, requiring great deals of trust and respect, but once gained, they are incredibly playful and unbelievably loyal. Throughout my career, I’ve had the pleasure of amassing 15 years of working with wolves and part of this honour is getting to show people what’s really behind the bad reputation. Wolves are still hunted and persecuted to this day and yet we have their ancestors in our homes and on our sofas, calling them ‘man’s best friend.”
5 facts about Iberian Wolves
- Their scientific name, Canis lupus signatus, comes from the Latin signatus, meaning “marked,” referring to the characteristic dark marks on its lips, legs, and tail.
- The Iberian wolf was nearly driven to extinction in the 1970s by hunting and habitat destruction.
- Iberian wolves live and hunt in small, hierarchical family packs led by an alpha pair.
- Iberian wolves are considered one of the national animals of Portugal.
- They can live for about 6 to 8 years in the wild, but up to 16 in captivity.
Iberian wolves are more than captivating animals, they play a vital role in their ecosystems. By preying on herbivores like deer and wild boar, they prevent overgrazing and allow forests, grasslands, and other habitats to recover. Their influence extends beyond numbers; the presence of these apex predators shapes the behaviour of prey species, creating cascading effects that support biodiversity and restore ecological balance. In turn, healthier ecosystems provide humans with clean air, fresh water, and fertile soil, highlighting the broader impact of these wolves.
How You Can Make a Difference
Protecting wolves means protecting entire ecosystems, from the forests they roam to the rivers and grasslands that flourish because of their presence. By safeguarding wolves today, we’re ensuring that future generations can witness and learn from these extraordinary animals.
By learning more about wolves like Raul and Gregorio, we hope to inspire a deeper appreciation for these remarkable animals and the vital role they play in our ecosystems. With your support, we can continue to protect their habitats and help wolf populations recover.
Here are 3 simple ways you can stand up for wolves:
- Learn – You’re already off to a great start by reading this blog! Keep exploring and discovering more about wolves.
- Fundraise – Host a bake sale, organise a fun run, or get creative! Every effort makes a real difference, find out more today.
- Spread the Word – Talk to friends, family, and your community about why wolves matter.
Thank you for joining us in celebrating these incredible creatures and taking steps to secure their future. Together, we can ensure wolves remain a thriving part of our world for generations to come.
Sources:
https://www.nathab.com/blog/3-ways-to-celebrate-international-wolf-day#:~:text=On%20August%2013%2C%20the%20world,bring%20attention%20to%20their%20plight | https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/tossing-wolves-our-leftovers-could-have-led-their-domestication-new-study-finds-180976713/#:~:text=Humans%20domesticated%20wild%20wolves%20at,a%20hot%20topic%20among%20archaeologists. | Dartmoor Zoo Animal Pack | https://wolf.org/wolf-info/basic-wolf-info/wolves-and-humans/ | https://animals.fandom.com/wiki/Iberian_Wolf#Population_number | https://www.giraffa.co/iberian-wolf/#:~:text=It%20gets%20its%20Latin%20name,a%2020th%20century%20zoologist.