International Wolf Center
The International Wolf Center (IWC) is a research and educational organization based in Ely, Minnesota, United States, that, in its own words, "advances the survival of wolf populations by teaching about wolves, their relationship to wildlands and the human role in their future." The Wolf Center operates an interpretive center in Ely open to the public, where visitors can view captive "ambassador wolves" in natural surroundings through large windows, and can learn about wolves through a variety of exhibits and programs. This organization lies within Superior National Forest. It also sponsors research symposia and offsite educational programs, publishes International Wolf magazine, and provides information about wolves via its website.
In response to wolf controversies, the Wolf Center does not take a stand on how wolves should be managed (such as by hunting or trapping), as long as healthy wolf populations are maintained. Its policy is to provide the most accurate, up-to-date information possible about wolves and let people make their own decisions.
Founded in 1985 by a group of biologists led by wolf biologist Dr. L. David Mech, the International Wolf Center opened in June 1993. The Wolf Center is housed in a 17,000-square-foot (1,600 m2) facility in Ely, Minnesota and features gray wolves viewable through large windows that allow visitors to watch the wolves communicate, hunt, eat and play.
Visitors have the opportunity to view a 1.25-acre (5,100 m2) enclosure and den site that is home for the Exhibit Pack which includes two Northwestern wolves, Aidan and Denali; Boltz, a Great Plains wolf; and two arctic wolves, Axel and Grayson. The Center introduces new wolf pups every four years. In addition to the main enclosure, the Center also has a separate enclosure that contains "retired" wolves. The retired wolf enclosure currently houses Grizzer and Luna, Great Plains wolves.
In addition to the onsite wolves, the Center offers various educational programs at its Ely interpretive facility as well as wolf hot spots in northern Minnesota. Afternoon, weekend and week-long programs include howling trips, snowshoe treks, radio tracking, family activities, dog sledding, videos, presentations, demonstrations and hikes.
The Center also houses a Wolves and Humans exhibit, the Little Wolf exhibit designed specifically for children ages three to nine, a theater for watching presentations on the history and behavior of wolves, and a store.
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