WOLVES

Updated 10/19/26

Meet Cali and Lena! 

These girls are sisters, and they're both 2 years old. They came to us after their previous facility closed, and now they have a new home here at the Alaska Zoo. 

In the wild, gray wolves live about 14 years on average, while wolves in human-managed care can live up to 20 years. 

Wolves are carnivores, and they're not especially picky eaters! They can hunt large animals like moose, caribou, and deer, but they'll also go after smaller animals when the opportunity comes along. If they find an animal that has already died, they'll scavenge that meal, too. In rare situations, wolves may even eat another wolf. 

Gray wolves aren't the largest animals at the Alaska Zoo. Adults can weigh around 100 pounds, with males typically larger than females. But what they lack in size, they make up for in strength. 

Gray wolves are apex predators, meaning they sit at the top of the food chain. That makes them incredibly important to their ecosystems. By hunting prey and influencing where and how those animals move, wolves can create effects that ripple through the entire environment. 

One of the most interesting things about wolves is how social they are. A wolf pack is usually made up of a mated pair and their offspring. Family members work together to find food, raise young, and protect their territory. Sometimes, neighboring packs may even join together when conditions make it beneficial. 

Gray wolves aren't endangered, but they have been eliminated from much of their former range in North America because of conflicts with people, including concerns about livestock. Today, wolves still face threats from hunting and trapping, habitat loss, and reduced prey availability. 

As you watch Cali and Lena, take a moment to notice how they interact. A look, a movement of their ears or tail, or a playful chase can all be forms of communication! 

These two sisters may look like they're simply hanging out, but you're watching two highly social, powerful predators that play an important role in our natural world. 

You can help apex predators, like these wolves, by supporting the Alaska Zoo. Please consider making a donation or becoming a member today.