News & Events

Surgery on female wolf pup successful says International Wolf Center

One of two wolf pups brought to the International Wolf Center in April developed a medical condition that required surgery. Veterinary surgeons at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center successfully attached a plate to the female pup's right rear femur during an operation May 16 that lasted about an hour. Recovery is expected to take six weeks or longer.
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International Wolf Center Announces New Executive Director

"We are thrilled to announce Rob Schultz has agreed to join the International Wolf Center as its next Executive Director," said Board Chair Nancy Jo Tubbs. "Rob brings a unique set of leadership skills to our team and has an impressive track record of exceeding fundraising goals."
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Midwest Wolf Stewards Conference Tackles Big Issues

The biggest wolf issues of this decade will be the focal point of this year's Midwest Wolf Stewards Conference (MWS) coming again to Minnesota April 26 and 27. Expert presenters from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and Ontario will share updates and information on current wolf management issues, research and public interest topics.
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International Wolf Center Nominates Picoult's Lone Wolf for Scat Award

The International Wolf Center is adding famed author Jodi Picoult's new book, Lone Wolf, to the 2012 nominations for its ridiculously romantic treatment of wolf/human interaction. While Lone Wolf seems well on its way to becoming another Picoult best seller, the International Wolf Center advises readers to treat this novel with judicial caution—the jury should disregard nearly everything written here about wolves.
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International Wolf Center executive director to retire

It was the late Steve Jobs, who said we're here to put a dent in the universe. "Well, after 25 years of helping the Center teach the world about wolves, I hope I have left a few dents in the wolf universe," said Mary Ortiz, executive director, in her announcement that she will retire this May.
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International Wolf Center looks beyond delisting to greater issues

In a December 21 media teleconference, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources announced a federal decision to delist wolves from the Endangered Species Act in the Midwest and fielded hot-button questions, including whether a wolf hunting season will be part of the Minnesota wolf management plan.
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Ely-based International Wolf Center unaffected by possible state shutdown

State government might shut down, but International Wolf Center will remain open Vacationers who might be reconsidering plans due to the possible shutdown of parks and other state-funded destinations are reminded that the International Wolf Center is not funded by the state and therefore unaffected by the budgetary standoff.
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International Wolf Center Announces 2nd Annual Nordic Walk for Wolves

Event: Second annual 5K Nordic Walk for Wolves gives kids and adults the opportunity to support the educational mission of the International Wolf Center while experiencing the stunning effects of Nordic Walking.
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Ely-based International Wolf Center competes for $500,000 in Facebook campaign beginning May 19!

The Chase Community online Giving Program is awarding $5 million dollars to nonprofits through a national Facebook campaign that began in mid April and ends May 25, 2011. The Center came in third in the nation during round one of the competition, winning $25,000 to support its mission to teach the world about wolves.

The Center is the only Minnesota charity to qualify for the next and final round of voting. Only the top 100 charities with the most Facebook votes received $25,000 in round one. The Center received 3,690 Facebook votes.
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International Wolf Center Applauds Decades of Wolf Recovery Efforts as U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Takes First Step to Delist Gray Wolf

"The International Wolf Center, which was founded to advance the survival of wolf populations through fact-based scientific education, is gratified to see current populations in both regions at levels exceeding the goals stated in the recovery plans," states Mary Ortiz, executive director at the Center.
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Female wolf, Maya, dies at the International Wolf Center

Maya, a seven-year-old resident female wolf at the International Wolf Center in Ely, Minnesota, was euthanized Tuesday after a veterinary determination that a compound fracture and dislocation to her left hind leg could not be repaired.
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Iron Range Resources Awards International Wolf Center and North American Bear Center Culture and Tourism Grant

The International Wolf Center and the North American Bear Center announced today that they will share a $10,000 Culture and Tourism matching grant from Iron Range Resources in 2011. Mary Somnis, community development representative from Iron Range Resources, wrote to both Centers notifying them of the award saying "we are enthusiastic about supporting the important work you are doing on behalf of culture and tourism in your community."
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International Wolf Center Celebrates National Wolf Awareness Week

The International Wolf Center is celebrating National Wolf Awareness Week, October 17 - 23, with a variety of events.
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International Wolf Center Celebrates its 25th Anniversary and Receives $193,000 for Minnesota WolfLink Project

The International Wolf Center will kick off its 25th anniversary year during the weekend of June 19-20. In honor of this milestone, guests will save $2.50 off the normal admission price at the Ely center, and dads will get in free on Father's Day, when they visit with a child.
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A Key to Life: A New Look at Nature's Great Predators

Birds, butterflies, beaver and antelope, wildflowers and frogs — could their survival possibly be connected to top predators like the wolf and cougar? For those who have seldom given thought to the great predators so often missing from the web of life, there is reason to reconsider.
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Wolf Populations Double in the Northern Rockies, Alaska, and the Midwest Reports the International Wolf Center

Just when wolves have been removed from the federal endangered species list, the entire wolf population in the western Great Lakes states, and the northern Rockies has suddenly doubled. Similarly in Alaska, where coincidentally wolf control has just wound down, wolf numbers have also doubled.
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Deep Snow Fun for Wolves But Not for the Roof

Snow loading on the roof at the International Wolf Center in Ely is suspected to have caused damage to the roof over the Wolves and Humans exhibit and possibly other areas on the northwest end of the building.
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International Wolf Center Picks New Executive Director from the Pack

The International Wolf Center's Board of Directors this week announced the selection of Mary Ortiz as its new executive director, starting January 1.
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International Wolf Center Experiences a Death in the Pack

Lakota, a 15 1/2-year old wolf at the International Wolf Center was euthanized on Friday, November 7, 2008. A consultation with the Center's veterinarian, Dr. Chip Hanson, led to the assessment that her metabolic system was declining; she had stopped eating and was unable to deal with ambient conditions. Learn more.

Newest Ambassador Wolf Pups Join Exhibit Pack

The two newest additions to the International Wolf Center's ambassador pack, Aidan and Denali were successfully introduced this morning to the adult wolf Exhibit Pack in Ely, Minn. Learn more.

Wolf pups to join ambassador wolves in Ely, MN

International Wolf Center staff will soon begin caring for two young gray wolf pups from a litter born on Sunday, April 27, at the Wildlife Science Center (WSC) in Forest Lake, MN, The staff hope to select one female and one male when they are 12 to 14 days old. Learn more.

International Wolf Center Hires Executive Director

The International Wolf Center is pleased to announce that Marc B. Anderson has been selected as the Center's executive director. Anderson was chosen from among a group of strong and talented candidates. Dr. L. David Mech, chair of the search committee, remarked, "The decision to select Marc Anderson as the executive director who could lead the International Wolf Center to the next level followed a rigorous search process. Marc has more than twenty-five years of a proven track record of success as a nonprofit leader, entrepreneur and conservationist. We're thrilled to have him on board." Learn more.

Executive Director Walter Medwid to Leave Wolf Organization

The International Wolf Center announced today that Walter Medwid, who has been the organization's executive director for 14 years, is leaving to return to the East Coast. Learn more.

International Wolf Center funding to bring "WOW factor" to Ely facility

The International Wolf Center recently received a $350,000 state allocation to upgrade its Ely facilities when the U.S. Forest Services (USFS) leaves the building later this year. Learn more.

International Wolf Center, Walter Medwid Honored for Role in Gray Wolf Delisting

The International Wolf Center and Executive Director Walter Medwid have been honored twice recently by national and regional organizations for leadership that contributed to delisting of gray wolves in the Midwest. Learn more.

Interational Wolf Center Experts Available For Comment on Wolf Delisting

With today's expected announcement that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will delist some gray wolf populations, experts from the International Wolf Center are available for comment. The wolf will be removed from federal protections under the Endangered Species Act in the Western Great Lakes Distinct Population Segment. Learn more.

International Wolf Center Experiences a Death in the Pack

On Tuesday, July 11, Lucas, one of the International Wolf Center's ambassador wolves, was euthanized at the Center in Ely, MN. After several days of observation and consultation by wolf care staff and area veterinarians, it was determined Lucas would not recover from a chronic, degenerative spinal condition and other age-related issues. Learn more.

International Wolf Center Announces Departure of Assistant Director

Jim Williams, the International Wolf Center's assistant director for education, will leave his Ely post in August in order to join his fiancé in Duluth, Minnesota where the two plan to make their home. Learn more.

International Wolf Center Announces New Programs In Northeastern Minnesota

The International Wolf Center has announced three additions to the wolf-focused summer program lineup at its flagship educational facility in Ely, Minnesota. Living With Wolves, Habitat Hike and Wolves and Wild Lands each focus on wolf-human coexistence now and after wolves are removed from the endangered species list. Learn more.

New International Wolf Center Exhibit Opens June 1

The International Wolf Center in Ely, Minnesota is celebrating the debut of their new exhibit, Wolves and Wild Lands in the 21st Century, with a free open house all day June 1, 10 am to 5 pm. Created in partnership with the Science Museum of Minnesota, the exhibit features mounted wolves from different areas of North America and exhibit panels that explore the uncertain future of wolves in a world increasingly dominated by humans. Learn more.

International Wolf Center Starts Wolf Helpline April 1st

Residents and visitors in the Ely area now have a place to turn when they are concerned about bold or sick wolves, wolves on their property, or the safety of people and pets. The International Wolf Center, Vermilion Community College's Natural Resource Department and the US Department of Agriculture - Wildlife Services have created a helpline for individuals with questions or dealing with wolf related issues. Phone lines for the Wolf Helpline open on April 1st to residents within a 25-mile radius of Ely. The number to call is 365-4695 ext. 34. Learn more.

Explore the Uncertain Future of Wolves in the Modern World

Wolves and Wild Lands in the 21st Century opens this weekend at the Science Museum of Minnesota. Created by the International Wolf Center in collaboration with the Science Museum, the exhibit explores the uncertain future of wolves in a world increasingly dominated by humans. Learn more.

Anonymous Donor Pledges $1.4 Million for Yellowstone Wolf Conservation

Following the recent death of a Canadian man from an apparent wolf attack, experts at the International Wolf Center say that wolf attacks remain extremely rare and usually occur after people feed wolves or allow wolves to eat garbage. Learn more.

Experts Reassure Public Following Rare Fatal Wolf Attack

Following the recent death of a Canadian man from an apparent wolf attack, experts at the International Wolf Center say that wolf attacks remain extremely rare and usually occur after people feed wolves or allow wolves to eat garbage. Learn more.

Madison Man Returns To Yellowstone For Wolf Adventure

"We followed the 15-member Slough Creek wolf pack, led by it's Alpha female, on a four-hour journey to roust another pack off a kill site and out of its territory. We weren't watching the Discovery Channel. We were living it." Steve Lokker of Madison, WI will experience this close up world of wolves again as he travels to Yellowstone National Park for a second time with the International Wolf Center February 11 - 16. Learn more.

International Wolf Conference to Convene in Colorado Springs

Experts from around the world are converging on Colorado Springs to help decide the future of wolves. The International Wolf Center, in collaboration with Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, is pleased to announce the fourth international wolf conference, Frontiers of Wolf Recovery: The Southwestern U.S. and the World, Oct. 1-4 at the Antler's Hotel.Learn more.

Internation Wolf Center Announces Lineup of Learning Vacations; Year-round programs offered in North Amerianc Wolf Hot Spots

The International Wolf Center in Ely, Minn. has announced its schedule of Wolf Country Learning Adventures for the remainder of 2005 and all of 2006. The wolf-focused learning vacations are offered in wolf hot spots across North America including Northern Minnesota, Yellowstone National Park, Isle Royale National Park in Lake Superior and the Canadian Northwest Territories. Learn more.

Two Twin Cities men return from successful wolf observation trip to Ellesmere Island, northernmost island in the Canadian Arctic.

International Wolf Center Executive Director Walter Medwid and world-renowned Wolf Biologist and Center founder Dr. L David Mech left the Minneapolis Airport on July 6th carrying high hopes of spotting and studying arctic wolves that eluded them on their last trip to Ellesmere together in 2001. Those hopes became reality when the two found and studied a pack of six adult wolves and three pups before a return trip home on July 24th. Learn more.

International Wolf Center and Three Rivers Parks District Focus on Global Wolf Population with a Summer Film Series Featuring Six of the Best Contemporary Wolf Documentaries in the World.

Series, Held in French Regional Park Visitor Center Every Wednesday Evening July 13 to August 17, Will Showcase Rare Footage of Wolves in Global Environments Unfamiliar to Most Visitors. Learn more.

Yearling Wolf Dies at the International Wolf Center

Nyssa, a year-old female wolf at the International Wolf Center, was euthanized Wednesday, May 11, 2005, after other members of the pack mortally injured her. Learn more.

Adventure Seeking Travelers Explore The Natural World Of Wolves With The International Wolf Center in Ely, Minnesota

New programs for adults and families allow people of all ages to experience the fascinating world of the wolf in its natural habitat. Learn more.

Ambassador Wolves Turn One-Year-Old May 2005: Last Year's Tiny Pups Now Powerful Predators

International Wolf Center Marks The Pups' First Year With A Summer Of Special Programs Designed To Fascinate and Educate Visitors Of All Ages. Learn more.

International Wolf Center to hold Seminar on Wolf Predation in Ely, Minnesota

The International Wolf Center will offer a three-day intensive field seminar on wolf predation based at its interpretive center in Ely, Minnesota. The seminar, "Wolf Predation: Hunting Behavior and Predator-Prey Systems," will be held March 11 - 13, 2005. Learn more.

International Wolf Center Pups Came Home to Ely, MN on May 24

They're growing, they're howling, and the three newest members of the International Wolf Center's ambassador pack are home in Ely. Learn more.

Jim Williams Heads Ely International Wolf Center Staff

From Yellowstone National Park to Ely, Jim Williams is helping educate people about wolves where wolves thrive as top predators in their ecosystems. Learn more.

Dr. David Mech Signs the New Wolf Book Classic

World-renowned wildlife biologist L. David Mech, co-author and editor of the fascinating new book, Wolves: Behavior, Ecology and Conservation will talk about and sign the 448-page classic at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 3, at The Loft Literary Center in Minneapolis. Learn more.

Ely International Wolf Center's Administrator Leaving

Gretchen Diessner, the International Wolf Centers assistant director for education, will leave her Ely post in December to move to southwestern Florida and pursue a new opportunity. Learn more.

Ten Years and They're Making Tracks

Starting ten years ago, whenever the fire siren sounded in Ely, MN, a unique call answered — the ambassador pack at the International Wolf Center howled back. With five wolves in residence and three puppies expected in 2004, the non-profit Center is raising its voice this year in celebration of serving 500,000 visitors and making a difference for populations of wolves since the Center opened in 1993. Learn more.

Wolves and the International Wolf Center Timeline

International Wolf Center's flagship interpretive facility in Ely, Minnesota is celebrating it's 10 year anniversary, "Ten Years and Making Tracks". Organization development timeline available here.

Nature Nights: Crossing Antarctica with Will Steger

One of the most difficult journeys a person can make is to cross Antarctica. In 1941, Ernest Shackleton set out to do that and was unsuccessful. But in 1990, Will Steger was able to accomplish that feat. Steger will be hosting the Nature Nights program on Monday, August 18 and will discuss both his and Shackleton's adventures. Learn more.

Discussion: Bear Bile May Help Victims of Strokes, Parkinson's, & Huntington Disease

What does bear bile have to do with treating an acute stroke? Professor of Medicine and Genetics at the University of Minnesota Clifford J. Steer MD will answer this question at this Nature Nights presentation... Learn more.

Nature Nights: Susan Canton Discusses the Canada Lynx

The endangered Canada lynx is the topic that will be presented at the sixth edition of Nature Nights on August 11. US Fish and Wildlife Service Biologist Susan Canton will be discussing the lynx's past, present, and future. Come learn more about this animal that has found a home in the northwoods of Minnesota. Learn more.

Nature Night: What it takes to survive in the wild

Living in the wild isn't easy. Find out just what it takes for a creature to survive on Monday, August 4th at the Nature Nights speaker series. The Director of the Boundary Waters Wilderness Program Jon Zebrowski will be the hosting this event. Learn more.

Forest Management: Past, Present & Future

Take some time on Monday, July 28 to learn more about the forest that draws in so many people. The student chapter of the Society of American Foresters at Vermilion College is hosting this fourth edition of Nature Nights at the International wolf Center with a presentation exploring the past, present, and future management of forests in Minnesota. Learn more.

Dorothy Molter highlighted at Nature Nights

Have you ever wished your canoe trip could extend indefinitely? Dorothy Molter's trip did, extending over 45 years as she lived and worked on Knife Lake in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCAW). Learn more.

Nature Nights Installment: Arctic Exploration with Don Johnson

Take a night to learn about Arctic Exploration and the Inuit on Monday, July 14. Don Johnson, Fellow at the Department of Native Studies at the University of Manitoba, Canada, hosts the second installment of Nature Nights. Learn more.

Increase Your Birding Knowledge

Make your next nature walk an exploration of birds. The public is invited to the first week of the Nature Nights speaker series on Monday, July 7, when Bill Tefft, the "Bird Man," will share his tips and passion for birding. Learn more.

Rolf Peterson Gives Free Update on Isle Royale Wolves and Moose

Fresh from two months of wolf-moose research on Isle Royale, wildlife biologist Rolf Peterson will speak on the project's latest findings at 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 8, at the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge in Bloomington. Learn more.

Wolf Center Annual Report Hits the Web

Wolf numbers in Minnesota reached an all-time high of about 2,600, and visitors to the Minnesota-based International Wolf Center's Web site learned about wolves around the world in record numbers, with over 16 million hits in 2001. Learn more.

Target Rewards the International Wolf Center with Education Grant

The International Wolf Center announced today that they have received an $8,000 educational grant from Target Corporation. In a letter from Laysha Ward, Director of Target Corporation Community Relations and the Target Foundation, the International Wolf Center was praised as an organization that makes "our communities a better place to live and work." Learn more.

Tall tales at Nature Nights

Summer nights mean campfires, s'mores and good old-fashion storytelling. Brush up on your tall tales this Monday, July 8, when storyteller Kevin Strauss entertains the public with his own tales of the northwoods. The event begins at 7 p.m. at the International Wolf Center and is free and open to the public. Learn more.

Lynn Rogers speaks on Nature Photography

Picturesque moments abound in the great northwoods. Lynn Rogers, world renowned wildlife researcher and nature photographer, will help you create the perfect picture on Monday, July 15, at 7 p.m. at the International Wolf Center Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public. Learn more.

Father and Daughter Begin Historic Paddle for Wolves

Mark Imsdahl and his 13-year-old daughter Mary, will paddle the historic "Voyageur's Highway," in a personal quest to benefit the International Wolf Center. The challenging adventure will take them over 200 miles of lakes and portages along the Minnesota and Canadian border. Learn more.

Increase Your Birding Knowledge

Make your next nature walk an exploration of birds. The public is invited to the third week of the Nature Nights speaker series on Monday, July 1, when Bill Tefft, the "Bird Man," will share his tips and passion for birding. The event, which is free and open to the public, begins at 7 p.m. at the International Wolf Center Auditorium. Learn more.

Dorothy Molter highlighted at Nature Nights

Have you ever wished your canoe trip could extend indefinitely? Dorothy Molter's trip did, extending over 45 years as she lived and worked on Knife Lake in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCAW). Steven Molter, nephew of the famed "Root Beer Lady," will narrate a slide show of Dorothy's life on Monday, June 24, at 7 p.m. at the International Wolf Center. The event is free and open to the public. Learn more.