Once you walk under the new North America Trek region arch and round the corner, there it is: A waterfall. Hand-painted and chiseled to look like natural rock features in the southwest United States, it will be the backdrop to a region built for new residents! Five amazing Mexican gray wolves recently made their debut at the Columbus Zoo, and their new home is a showstopper.
Perched on a hilltop and surrounded by shady trees, this one-of-a-kind habitat features the waterfall, open viewing areas, and plenty of room for our newest pack to explore, splash, and nap in the sun. It’s a wild and wonderful experience you won’t forget — and one of the very first things you’ll see when you enter the region!
Who Are These Wolves?
Say hello to Nicholas (6), Mosby (6), Sonda (3), Kazoo (2), and Ikal (1) — five full-blooded brothers who grew up together at the Wolf Conservation Center in New York. These siblings have spent their lives learning how to live, play, and work together as a pack, just like wolves do in their native ranges. They all have unique personalities and strong bonds with each other — and now, they’re ready for their next big adventure here in Ohio!
You’ll find them exploring their new hillside habitat, cooling off in their waterfall pool, or relaxing in the grass after a day full of enrichment and play.
What Makes Mexican Wolves So Special?
Mexican wolves — sometimes called lobos — are the rarest type of gray wolf in North America. At one point, there were so few left in the wild that zoos and conservation partners had to work together to save the entire species. Today, thanks to those efforts, they’re making a slow but steady comeback.
The Columbus Zoo is proud to be part of the team helping protect Mexican wolves. By caring for wolves here and supporting programs that help wild wolves and ranchers live peacefully together, we’re doing our part to make sure these incredible animals don’t disappear forever.
And when you visit the Zoo, you’re part of that story too — because every admission, membership, and donation helps us protect animals both here and around the world.
A Habitat Built for Natural Behavior
The Columbus Zoo’s new Mexican wolf habitat sits high on a hill in North America Trek, giving the wolves a natural vantage point — allowing them to observe their surroundings from above, rather than being looked down upon by guests. This design element is more than aesthetic; it helps the wolves feel secure, encourages interaction, and fosters natural behaviors like swimming, digging, scent-marking, and group resting in shaded areas.
Enrichment plays a key role in the lives of these wolves, from carcass feeds that promote their natural hunting behaviors to puzzle feeders and varied terrain that invites exploration. Every element of their care is designed not just to meet their needs — but to support their role in a greater conservation story.
What About the Other Wolves at the Zoo?
You might remember our longtime wolf pair, Winter and Storm, who currently live near the tiger habitat. They’ll stay right where they are — and that’s on purpose!
Wolves are very territorial and don’t usually accept new members into their pack unless it’s part of a special breeding match, so it’s best for everyone’s wellbeing that these two remain in their peaceful space.
With the arrival of our new bachelor group, we’re also helping open space for more wolves to join the recovery program in the future — which is great news for this endangered species.
How You Can Help Wolves in the Wild
Conservation doesn’t stop at the Columbus Zoo. You can support Mexican wolves by learning more about coexistence programs that promote peaceful living between wolves and ranchers, like those led by organizations such as People and Carnivores. You can also help spread the word about why wolves matter — not just as individual animals, but as keystone species that shape and support healthy ecosystems.
When you visit North America Trek this summer and see these five remarkable brothers exploring their new territory, remember: your visit helps protect their wild cousins, too.
Come See the Pack This Summer!
We can’t wait for you to experience everything North America Trek has to offer — including the new Mexican wolf habitat, which is sure to be a guest favorite. When you visit, you’ll not only meet five amazing wolves… you’ll also be part of something even bigger: a future where their wild cousins have a chance to thrive.
North America Trek opens Friday, June 20, 2025!
