Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center
Montana
The Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center, located in West Yellowstone, Montana, is a not-for-profit wildlife park and educational facility dedicated to the rescue and care of grizzly bears and wolves. Founded in 1993, the center provides a sanctuary for bears and wolves that were removed from the wild due to human conflicts or orphaning. The park features large naturalistic habitats including pools, waterfalls, and forested areas that encourage natural behaviors such as fishing and foraging. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits like "BEARS: Imagination & Reality," which contrasts cultural portrayals of bears with their real-life biology and behavior, featuring over 25 taxidermic mounts. The center also houses multiple wolf packs in spacious enclosures visible from the Naturalist Cabin, where educational programs and daily "Pack Chats" take place. Additional exhibits include ground squirrels to illustrate predator-prey dynamics and several bird of prey aviaries that shelter raptors unable to survive in the wild. Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the center is open year-round and offers admission valid for two consecutive days, making it an engaging destination for wildlife enthusiasts and families alike.
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Tip: Visit during spring through fall for the best experience with active animals and open bird of prey exhibits. Admission is valid for two consecutive days, allowing ample time to explore. Consider joining a behind-the-scenes tour for a deeper understanding of animal care. Memberships and animal adoptions are available to support the center and offer savings. Booking tickets or tours in advance is recommended during peak seasons.
Zajímavosti
- •The center's bear habitats include a pool and waterfall to mimic natural environments and encourage fishing behavior.
- •It was the first facility to have wolves born on-site in 2020, with four pups named Harlequin, Meriwether, Boulder, and Colter.
- •The Naturalist Cabin allows visitors to observe two separate wolf packs simultaneously through large floor-to-ceiling windows.
- •The "BEARS: Imagination & Reality" exhibit features over 25 taxidermic mounts and originated from the Science Museum of Minnesota.
- •Bird of prey exhibits house raptors that cannot survive in the wild, with the bald eagle exhibit renovated in 2014.
Historie
The Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center was established in 1993 by Lewis S.
Robinson as a sanctuary for nuisance and orphaned bears.
In 1996, the center expanded to include wolves, adding ten captive-born individuals.
Facing closure in 1999, a group of managers formed a nonprofit corporation to purchase and sustain the center, securing USDA rural development financing.
The center earned accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in 2001 and was renamed in 2002 to reflect its expanded focus on wolves.
Over the years, new exhibits such as the "BEARS: Imagination & Reality" and bird of prey aviaries were added, enhancing its educational mission.
Průvodce po místě
Bear Habitats
Large naturalistic outdoor enclosures with pools and waterfalls where rescued grizzly and black bears live. Bears are rotated to encourage natural social interactions and are provided with hidden food and stocked ponds for hunting practice.
BEARS: Imagination & Reality Exhibit
An interactive exhibit comparing cultural myths and artistic portrayals of bears with scientific knowledge and real-life observations, featuring over 25 taxidermic mounts of grizzly and black bears.
Wolf Enclosures and Naturalist Cabin1996
Two main wolf habitats separated by the Naturalist Cabin, which offers indoor viewing through large windows. The center houses multiple wolf packs, including the Hoodoo and Fossil Butte Packs, with educational programs and daily "Pack Chats."
Ground Squirrel Exhibit2015
An exhibit showcasing ground squirrels to help visitors understand predator-prey relationships. The squirrels undergo natural hibernation cycles from March to August.
Birds of Prey Aviaries2013-2014
Multiple aviaries housing raptors that cannot survive in the wild, including bald eagles. The exhibits are open seasonally from April to November and were expanded and renovated between 2013 and 2014.
Kontakt
Telefon: (800) 257-2570