09/01/2026
BIG NEWS - Puppies!
At Wolf Hollow, the last few months have been a journey through loss, healing, and the unexpected joy of new life. We faced the heart-wrenching farewell of beloved wolves, starting with Linnea in April, marking the end of an iconic era for our community. We then quickly and unexpectedly lost Skadi in July, which was a shock to all of our systems. However, as the summer continued, a new chapter began to unfold, one that we didn’t see coming.
Initially, our plan was to take time for healing and aim to welcome new pups in Spring 2027. However, in July, an opportunity arose that we just couldn't ignore. Plumpton Park Zoo, the birthplace of our wolves Vilkas, Togo, and the late Skadi, reached out about three Arctic wolf pups (their younger siblings) born in late March, that still needed a home. After thoughtful discussions, we decided to embrace this opportunity, knowing that the addition of these pups would enrich the lives of Togo and Vilkas.
We sent 4 of our staff members down to Maryland, to pick up the puppies and bring them back to Wolf Hollow with care. When the puppies arrived, they were moved to our medical holding pen outside of the main enclosure. This is our normal process for new additions to the pack, to gently ease them into their surroundings.
Togo and Vilkas were extremely interested, and spent most of the first night at the fence line that borders where the pups were sleeping. Togo was seen attempting to share his high value treats with the pups, even though they weren’t in the same enclosure yet. Togo and Vilkas have since interacted with the pups, and have shown them around the main enclosure! Vilkas and Togo, the “older brothers” have shown incredible patience and joy in their interactions with the new pups, proving to be a nurturing presence. This transition has brought a renewed sense of vitality to our pack.
The arrival of these pups signifies the circle of life. A summer that began with heartache is closing with hope and new possibilities, reminding us of the beauty of life's cycles. This decision will help us continue to provide enriching lives for our wolves at Wolf Hollow, and we remain hopeful and grateful for this new beginning.
We’d like to extend our thanks to all of you for supporting us through the highs and lows of the work that we do. Your steadfast support through our recent losses makes this announcement extra special to share with you.
We would like to thank the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife for allowing us to add these puppies to our permits, and Plumpton Park for the love and care that they give their animals. Our last but most important thank you is to all of our volunteer staff, who dedicate their time, passion and energy to our resident wolves, and our mission of protecting the wolf in the wild. Thank you.
🐾 Help Us Name the Male Pup! 🐾
We are thrilled to announce a naming contest for our male pup! Participation involves a $10 donation per entry. Join us in this exciting opportunity to leave your mark on our pack's future. Submissions end on Monday, September 7th at 5pm EST. Visit link in comments to participate!
Photos 1,2,4,5,6,7 by Dr. Lori Gordon
Photo 3 by Ellora Sen Gupta
