The wolf family is growing: seven new additions at the WSC

No fewer than seven North American gray wolves have taken up residence at the Wolf Science Center (WSC) in the Ernstbrunn Wildlife Park. With this, the Vetmeduni’s Core Facility Wolf Science Center (CF-WSC) is building on the successful 2024 pup-rearing, which saw the first young animals arrive again after an eight-year hiatus.

Photo: Rooobert Bayer/WSC

Seven wolf pups for Vetmeduni’s WSC: the siblings Tuari, Aponi, and Helaku.

From pup to research partner

Siblings Aponi, Tuari, and Helaku were the first to arrive - two weeks later they were joined by Nara and a second trio of siblings: Denahi, Nayati, and Catori. All seven come from European wildlife parks. Over the coming months, the pups will gradually get to know their new environment and their primary caregivers. This fosters a trusting relationship between humans and animals - the foundation for the wolves to participate in scientific studies later on, stress-free and on a voluntary basis.

“Every litter brings new personalities. You quickly notice who is the brave one, who is more cautious, and who would prefer to explore everything at once,” says Scientific Director Marianne Heberlein.

Research with wolves and dogs

At the WSC, wolves and dogs live in separate groups under comparable conditions. This unique approach allows researchers from around the world to investigate questions of domestication, cognition, social behavior, and physiology. The findings make a significant contribution to placing human–wolf coexistence on a solid scientific footing. With the seven newcomers, the facility now houses 15 wolves and 10 dogs.

Seeking wolf sponsors

If you would like to accompany the pups on their journey and support the Wolf Science Center, you can become an animal sponsor. Sponsors receive exclusive insights into the daily lives and development of their protégés. Donations go directly toward the animals’ care and species-appropriate husbandry. Further information about the sponsorship program and the visitor program -including special puppy events -can be found on the WSC website.

Portraits of our seven pups

From the very first moment, each of the seven wolf pups brings a personality all their own. In the weeks and months ahead, they will continue to grow and change. The WSC team is excited to see what surprises these youngsters still have in store.

Aponi:
Despite her young age, this little she-wolf is already very independent and adventurous. The tiny daredevil often leads the forays through the enclosure.

Tuari:
The male is the smallest of the three siblings (Aponi and Helaku). He makes up for his modest size with plenty of wit and charm.

Helaku:
Aponi and Tuari’s brother truly lives up to his name. “Helaku” means “full of sun,” and he’s indeed a real ray of sunshine.

Denahi:
He is Catori and Nayati’s brother and is just beginning to explore the world. At first he charges ahead, but moments later prefers a more cautious approach.

Catori:
This cheeky young she-wolf is very curious and loves exploring the enclosure with the other pups.

Nayati:
A calm, easygoing fellow - a real teddy bear. He loves to sleep and would rather eat than explore the enclosure.

Nara:
For a wolf pup, Nara is strikingly uncomplicated, gentle, and sweet. She gets along equally well with her older and younger foster siblings.

Donations and sponsorships for wolf pups

The pups are looking forward to many sponsors. Wolf sponsorships can be arranged easily online and make a special surprise as a gift.

Further informations: www.wolfscience.at/patenschaften

About the WSC

The Wolf Science Center is a Core Facility at Vetmeduni and is open to both university-based and external researchers. It is one of the few facilities worldwide that enables research on human-socialized wolves and dogs under comparable scientific conditions. In addition to research, the WSC focuses on knowledge transfer and regularly invites interested visitors to learn about its work on site.

Further information: www.wolfscience.at

all photos: Rooobert Bayer/WSC

Bildmaterial:

Aponi

Tuari

Helaku

Denahi

Catori

Nayati

Nara

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