Today, the 13th of August, is International Wolf Day, a day dedicated to celebrating and raising awareness of one of nature’s most fascinating, intelligent, and misunderstood animals.
Like snakes or spiders, wolves often suffer from a bad reputation. Many of us grew up hearing stories about the “Big Bad Wolf”, a menacing figure lurking in the woods, waiting to pounce. These longstanding myths and folktales have painted wolves as dangerous villains, shaping public perception and fear over generations.
But in contrast to these negative portrayals, in some cultures, wolves are seen as close spiritual kin to humankind. Revered for their strength, loyalty, and deep connection to nature.
In reality, wolves are generally shy animals that prefer to avoid humans altogether. They are apex predators, feeding on everything from mice to large hoofed animals (also known as ungulates), and they play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems. Without wolves, populations of ungulates can grow too large, overgrazing vegetation and triggering a chain reaction that harms themselves and countless other species. Wolves help keep this natural balance in check.
Wolves & Humans
Wolves have had a deep, complex relationship with humans for thousands of years. They are ancestors of domestic dogs, and both belong to the Canidae family. Both wolves and domestic dogs share many biological traits, however after thousands of years of selective breeding, it has made them very different animals today.
Humans are believed to have started to domesticate wild wolves somewhere between 14,000 and 29,000 years ago. They turned fierce predators into trusted companions over the course of many generations. It is unknown how exactly this transformation began and is still debated among many archaeologists. One theory suggests that the relationship started in northern Eurasia, where early hunter-gatherers may have tossed leftover meat to wild wolf pups to gradually build up a bond. These pups, possibly raised as pets, would have benefitted from a steady food source, while the humans gained help with hunting and protection. Over time, this mutually beneficial partnership led to the domesticated dogs we know and love today.
Despite this shared history, wild wolves today remain very different from our pet dogs. They retain their natural instinct, independence, and vital role in the wild. The grey wolf is the species most people think of, and with good reason. They are the most widespread wolf species on the planet, found across North America, Europe, and Asia, known for their striking appearance, strong social bonds, and iconic howl.
But not all wolves are the same.
One lesser-known, and more elusive, subspecies of the grey wolf is the Iberian wolf, found only on the Iberian Peninsula in parts of Spain and Portugal. Smaller and more slender than their northern cousins, these wolves have unique markings and behaviours that set them apart. Their scientific name, Canis lupus signatus, means “marked,” referring to the distinctive dark markings on their lips, tail, and front legs. Interestingly, the most significant biological difference between Iberian wolves and other wolves is the size of a single molar tooth. Unfortunately, like many wolf species, they face growing threats in the wild due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and conflict with humans.
Iberian wolves are classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List (2016), meaning they are considered threatened at a global level. While populations remain stable or dense in some regions, others are experiencing serious declines, and isolated groups face a high risk of extinction. Their range has shrunk dramatically since the 1930s due to habitat loss, prey decline, and human persecution. Today, it’s estimated there are around 297 breeding packs in Spain and 51 to 63 in Portugal, totalling roughly 700 mature adults.
Although hunting is banned, around 45% of wolf deaths are still caused by human activities, including illegal hunting. The Iberian wolf population showed a partial recovery during the 20th century, but this progress has stalled in recent years in Spain due to insufficient protection measures.
Conservation measures vary between the countries:
- Portugal: Fully protected and classified as an endangered species at the national level.
- Spain: Protected by international law, but national protection is inconsistent because of regional administration. Only in territories south of Duero River are Iberian wolves considered endangered and fully protected.
At Dartmoor Zoo, we are proud to care for two Iberian wolves, brothers Raul and Gregorio, who are aged around 13/14 years old. Even though the pair are in their later years, they are still curious, playful, and full of character.
Ella Hopper, one of our keepers who works closely with the brothers, tells us more about their personalities, their training, and why she does it:
“Gregorio is the confident and cheeky brother of the two and can often be seen bouncing over for his tea like a little puppy. He also has a fondness for rolling, especially in strongly (and not always pleasantly!) scented things.
Raul on the other hand is a sweet boy with a shy side. I can often see him popping his head over the bushes to check us out, but once he gets his snack, it’s wonderful to see his proud and triumphant walk away!
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’.
Wolves are not to be feared, but to be celebrated and protected.”
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 continued conservation efforts and respect for their natural habitats, we can help ensure that wolves remain a thriving part of our world for generations to come.
Thank you for joining us in celebrating these incredible creatures and supporting their future! If you’d like to help us continue this important work, please consider making a donation.
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.