Get ready to howl with excitement as we celebrate Wolf Awareness on October 19 and 20! This fun, family-friendly event will immerse you in the world of wolves, just in time for National Wolf Awareness Week (October 20–26). Join us from 10 AM to 4 PM both days for exciting activities that bring to life the vital role wolves play in maintaining the balance of our ecosystems.
Wolves have long been a symbol of wild nature, yet myths and misunderstandings have clouded their true impact. Wolf Awareness Week is the perfect opportunity to dispel these misconceptions and learn more about these magnificent creatures. Wolves, as apex predators, are critical in preserving biological diversity, and this weekend at Como Zoo, you’ll have the chance to explore their world through fun, interactive activities.
Here’s a sneak peek at the activities that will have you howling with joy:
Scent Canister Activity
Think you have a good nose? Test your sense of smell with this thrilling activity! Wolves can smell prey from as far as 1.5 miles away—how do you compare? At this station, you’ll follow a trail of scents using canisters filled with aromas like vanilla, cinnamon, mint, and lavender. Learn how wolves’ sense of smell is nearly 100 times stronger than ours, thanks to their Jacobson’s organ!
Mask Craft
Unleash your inner wolf! Grab some art supplies, color, cut, and take home your very own wolf mask. Perfect for both kids and adults who want to take a piece of the wild home with them.
Wolf Sounds
Can you identify the howl of a wolf or the call of other animals? Put your ears to the test and see how well you can distinguish between the sounds of the wild.
Taxidermy Station
Discover the animals that share the wolves’ rugged habitat. Our volunteers will provide fascinating interpretations of taxidermy specimens, including owls and a red fox that live in the same biome as wolves.
Am I A Wolf?
Can you tell the difference between a wolf, a wolfdog, and a coyote? This fun guessing game will challenge your knowledge of these three species and teach you the subtle differences between them.
Storytime: “Little Wolf’s First Howling”
Zookeeper Talks
Want to learn even more about wolves? Catch one of our special zookeeper talks throughout the weekend. Our expert keepers will share fascinating insights into the lives of wolves, their behavior, and the important conservation work that’s being done to protect them.
This event is free and open to the public, so bring the whole pack! Wolf Awareness Weekend promises to be an engaging, educational, and fun-filled way to celebrate and learn about wolves and other tundra species. Don’t miss this howling good time at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory!
