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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

  1. 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. 
  2. The Iberian wolf was nearly driven to extinction in the 1970s by hunting and habitat destruction. 
  3. Iberian wolves live and hunt in small, hierarchical family packs led by an alpha pair.
  4. Iberian wolves are considered one of the national animals of Portugal.
  5. 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:

  1. Learn – You’re already off to a great start by reading this blog! Keep exploring and discovering more about wolves.
  2. Fundraise – Host a bake sale, organise a fun run, or get creative! Every effort makes a real difference, find out more today.
  3. 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.

At the start of July, Dartmoor Zoo hosted its annual research conference; ‘Research Rundown’, a showcase of the fascinating research conducted by our researchers and keepers over the past year. We were also joined by guest speakers from Paignton Zoo, Newquay Zoo, and Plymouth University. 

This year’s event featured nine talks and two research posters, covering a wide range of topics, from animal behaviour and welfare, to the visitor experience and animal hormone analysis. It was a brilliant day of knowledge-sharing and collaboration between zoos and universities. 

 

Here’s a quick rundown of the talks presented: 

 

  • Louise Cox – Research and Welfare Officer, Dartmoor Zoo: Introduction and an overview of research at Dartmoor Zoo. 
  • Jo Clark – Head of Research and Education, Dartmoor Zoo: Utilizing citizen science to help understand the visitor experience. 
  • Liani Curtis – Placement Student, Paignton Zoo: Investigating the behavioural effects of contraception on a troop of Hamadryas baboons: Implications for animal welfare and management. 
  • Abbie Starsmeare – Keeper, Dartmoor Zoo: You’ve changed! Does castration make male sitatunga less ballsy? 
  • Dr Niko von Engelhardt – Associate Professor, Plymouth University: Investigating the faecal cortisol levels of multiple species in response to evening events. 
  • Lucy Butler – Placement Student, Dartmoor Zoo: Investigating the impact of changing feeding schedules on binturong behaviour. 
  • Nilo Mason – Placement Student, Dartmoor Zoo: Eyes on the tiger: which external factors influence the activity budget of an Amur tiger? 
  • Jenna Crawford – Keeper, Dartmoor Zoo: Managing marmoset wasting syndrome – a case study. 
  • Dr Kathy Baker – Research Coordinator, Newquay Zoo: 13 years of research with captive Owston’s civets. What we know, what we don’t, and where do we go from here? 

And two fantastic posters one from Maddy Tattersall, Placement Student at Newquay Zoo: Enriched experiences in Asian short-clawed otters, and one by Leila Dixon Reid, University of Plymouth student: Factors that influence visitor interaction with signage and dwell time at zoo exhibits. 

 

 

Why is Research in Zoos Important? 

Research in zoos is crucial for improving animal welfare, evaluating and enhancing enrichment provision, supporting conservation, and helping animals thrive both in captivity and in the wild. It helps us make evidence-based decisions, track behaviour changes, and better understand the species we care for. 

Sharing these insights across institutions also means we’re constantly learning from each other, which ultimately benefits animals on a broader scale. 

To shed more light on research at a zoo and the role of placement students, our Research and Welfare Officer, Louise Cox, shares her insights:

‘Conducting research is one of the main aims of a modern zoo, and it helps us learn more about our animals to provide them with the best possible welfare, as well as supporting conservation. We predominantly research animal behaviour, though we also look at what they’re eating, what’s in their poo & how our visitors are using the site!

Our placement students are so valuable in helping us collect data and know what our animals are doing, and it’s great to give them the opportunity to not only share their results with the wider zoo team, but also help build their confidence with public speaking and networking with colleagues in other zoos.’

 

DZS Placement Students 

This year’s Research Rundown offered a fantastic opportunity to showcase the brilliant work of our two placement students, Lucy Butler and Nilo Mason. While the event wasn’t a formal farewell, it was a great way for them to round off their placements by presenting their research to peers and professionals in the zoo community. 

Lucy and Nilo joined us in September 2024 as part of their university placement years and quickly became valued members of the Dartmoor Zoo team. Over the past ten months, they’ve not only developed and carried out their own research projects but have also contributed to a wide range of zoo activities. 

 

Lucy 

‘My name is Lucy and I’m studying Psychology at the University of Southampton. I chose to spend my placement year at Dartmoor Zoo because I want to go into animal behaviour and welfare research in the future. I have absolutely loved my placement at Dartmoor Zoo!

Highlights include observing a wide variety of animals, making firehose enrichment, working on my research project, and getting involved with zoo events. I have loved learning about so many different areas of research as well as getting stuck into zoo life. My main project involved observing Malu, the Palawan binturong’s nocturnal feeding behaviour. My placement has taught me so much and has really helped me see that I want to continue working in this field.’ 

 


Nilo

‘My name is Nilo, I am studying BSc Zoology at the University of Reading. I applied for a research placement at Dartmoor Zoo because zoo research is something I am passionate about. 

I have loved this role and took many projects under my wing to build skills across the board. Some of the projects I had worked on during my placement include monitoring the tiger and jaguar on CCTV cameras and conducting age and welfare reviews on ZooMonitor (an app for collecting behavioural data) for various animals.

As well as research, I have also gained experience in other areas, such as taking on a keeper role for a few days, helping marketing create educational content, and assisting the public engagement team during workshops and talks. This placement has given me a variety of experiences and has allowed me to build on my confidence immensely, especially when talking to the public. I am super grateful to be here!’ 

 

 

They also took their research a step further by presenting their research posters at the BIAZA Research Conference, gaining valuable experience and insight into the wider world of zoo-based science. 

As their placements have come to an end this July, we want to say a huge thank you to Lucy and Nilo for everything they’ve contributed to Dartmoor Zoo. You’ve made a real impact here, and we’re excited to see where your journey takes you next!

 

 

We want to say a big thank you to all our speakers, staff, and students who made this year’s Research Rundown such a success. Events like this are a great reminder of why we do what we do, and how vital it is to keep learning, questioning, and exploring. 

 

Like many other places, Dartmoor Zoo are feeling the impact of the cost-of-living crisis with electricity bills reaching new highs of £72,000 and animal feed surpassing £60,000 for the year. This has led to the creation of Dartmoor Zoo’s ‘Give us an Hour’ fundraising campaign, where the ask is for an hour of your time, whether that is wages, volunteering or fundraising.

This campaign struck a chord with violinist, Niobe, who is taking centre stage on Saturday 2nd March, 2:30pm at Dartmoor Zoo and performing in front of Dragan, a spectacular Amur tiger. Niobe, who is just 10 years old, has a special place in her heart for animals and wants to use her musical talents to raise much needed funds for Dartmoor Zoo.

Niobe commented: “I absolutely love Big Cats! They’re so amazing and majestic with all different personalities. My favourite are cheetahs because they’re beautiful, fast, and graceful. I really hope I can help all of the big cats at Dartmoor Zoo by earning money for them with my music.”

Aimee, Niobe’s mum commented: “Niobe’s two favourite things are Big Cats and playing her violin. Although she’s only ten, I’m so proud of her commitment and effort to achieve this well-intentioned goal and I sincerely hope she gets the support needed to make a positive difference to the zoo.”

This practice session leads up to her full performance in Ashburton where Niobe will take to the streets and busk for an hour. Cash can be given on the day, but an online fundraising account also exists, where people can donate in support of Niobe’s talents and Dartmoor Zoo.

Fundraising Lead Vanessa Apicella commented: “I’m thrilled that Niobe has chosen Dartmoor Zoo’s ‘Give us an Hour’ appeal as the platform to showcase her talents! The support we’ve received has been extraordinary, and we eagerly anticipate her complete performance in Ashburton. I’ll definitely be there to cheer her on, and I hope you will join me in supporting her.”

To show Niobe support, you can see her performance in Ashburton, outside of the Arts Centre (West Street) on Saturday 30th March at 11am, so make sure to bring some change and cheer on this amazing young fundraiser in the making!

To support Niobe online, you can donate via her fundraising page!

Travelling from Karlsruhe Zoo in Germany, Emily, Flaviu’s new love interest, arrived at Dartmoor Zoo on Tuesday 27th February. At 7 years old, Emily has been selected as a compatible match for Flaviu within the European Breeding Programme.

Director of Karlsruhe Zoo Prof Dr Matthias Reinschmidt commented: “We are very pleased that a very nice place has been found for this lynx bred by us as part of the studbook.”

Initial observations and health checks have been conducted and Emily seems calm, in good spirits and is settling into her new home well. These observations will continue to monitor her overall wellbeing after the move, whilst also conducting introductions between the new pair.

Emily and Flaviu are Carpathian Lynx, a subspecies of Eurasian Lynx, the largest of all 4 species. The majority of this species can be found in Romania, Slovakia, Poland and Ukraine, whilst the population in Hungary, Serbia and Bulgaria is scattered.

The total number of lynxes in Europe (including Russia and Belarus) is estimated between 17 – 18000, with the Carpathian Lynx species responsible for approximately 2100 – 2400 of this population.

Lynx were once native to the UK, being hunted to extinction some 1,300 years ago. Their last stronghold is thought to have been the Scottish Highlands, although some more recent cultural references can be found from Welsh poetry as late as the 9th Century.

Lynx have been successfully reintroduced into the wild in Switzerland, Germany and Slovenia and there have been formal proposals to reintroduce Lynx into parts of the UK. Many feel that they are the most suitable large predator for reintroduction in the UK. Proponents argue that they would help to naturally control deer populations and, therefore, their reintroduction would help restore habitats, particularly forests which are currently being over-grazed by deer.

CEO David Gibson commented: “We are very excited about the arrival of Emily our new female Carpathian Lynx. Emily was born in Karlsruhe Zoo in Germany as part of the European Breeding programme for this species. She is a very beautiful cat with lovely markings, and it is wonderful to see how calm she is exploring her new home. We are hoping that she forms a breeding pair with our male Lynx, Flaviu. It’s a huge privilege for us at Dartmoor Zoo to be part of the European Lynx breeding programme. We’re extremely excited at the thought of possibly welcoming new kittens, and with your support, this can be just the beginning of many more programs we can embark on.”

Here’s How You Can Help: 

Support Wildlife Conservation: Your donations directly contribute to our conservation efforts and support breeding programmes, ensuring a future for species like Flaviu and Emily.

Raise Awareness: Help us spread the word by sharing this news. The more people who understand the importance of wildlife conservation as well as how international breeding programs can help, the bigger the impact we can make.

Learn and Visit: Come meet Flaviu and our new arrival Emily! Witness their beauty and learn about the importance of conservation efforts in ensuring the survival of their species and that of others across the world.

Dartmoor Zoo has welcomed a new binturong to the DZS family. Not yet named, he’s happy, healthy, and settling into his new home nicely. The binturong was transported to Dartmoor Zoo on Wednesday 5th July from ‘Get to know animals’ at Epping, Essex, London.

Dartmoor Zoo’s Curator Scott commented:

“Binturongs also known as the Bearcat, Malay Civet Cat and are members of Viverridae, they are most closely related to Civets, Genets, and Fossa.

Predominantly found in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Philipines, Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia, Vietnam and some areas of China, the IUCN classifies them as Vulnerable due to the illegal pet trade, deforestation, poaching for furs and being captured to make civet coffee.  Unfortunately, binturongs are also captured and eaten in Laos as it is considered a delicacy.

Our binturong is a Palawan binturong from the island of Palawan in the Philippines and is a very unique subspecies that has been isolated for a while. They are smaller and more nocturnal than other subspecies and much rarer in captivity. There is a huge illegal wildlife trade problem in Palawan where many animals including binturongs are taken from the wild and then sold. Unfortunately, the punishments for this are negligent and do not deter the offenders from repeating the offense.

Our binturong was imported from Asia legally by an unknown source but most likely was taken from the wild due to the issues on Palawan, before leaving the private individual and finding a home at ‘Get to know animals’ where they gave him amazing treatment and helped settle him in and bring him out of his shell.”

Our binturong is a magnificent animal, a symbol of the diversity and beauty of our natural world. But this incredible animal has suffered greatly at the hands of those who did not understand the importance of protecting and respecting all living beings. For far too long, he endured neglect and abuse, living a life of fear and pain.

Here at Dartmoor Zoo, we are incredibly honoured to be able to give him this new lease of life and feel he deserves a new name to reflect this and that’s where you come in!

The keepers have shortlisted five names and with a minimum £1 donation you can pick your favourite. The name with the most votes will be announced on Facebook, with the bonus of one lucky donor who will win a family pass to Dartmoor Zoo, where they can see the binturong in person! The five names are:

  1. Mee-Noi which means little bear in Thai
  2. Malu which means shy in Indonesian
  3. Bao which means treasure in Vietnamese
  4. Mahina which means vulnerable in Filipino
  5. Irawan which is a river in Palawan

To pick your winner and give our binturong a new name for his new life, you can make your charitable donation here.