Science

Wolves return to park two years after pack deaths

New Forest Wildlife Park has welcomed the new wolves from France and Belgium.

Published July 20, 2026, 5:13 AM
Updated July 20, 2026, 7:47 AM4.4K
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Wolves return to park two years after pack deaths

They first spent time in Belgium forming a bond before making the journey to Hampshire together.

Jason Palmer, curator of collections at the park, said welcoming the wolves to the park took months of planning and had involved working with the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria's coordinator for the species.

"Wolves are a highly complex social species and they are one of the most challenging species to keep well in captivity," he said.

"We can't wait for our visitors to meet them."

The park's previous grey wolves, which had arrived together in 2010, faced a number of age-related health issues, with Cedar, Idaho and Rocky dying first, leaving just Chaser and Aspen.

When Chaser's health took a significant downturn, the team at the park feared the impact it would have on Aspen, as wolves are social animals who thrive on companionship and working within a pack.

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