Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center, Yellowstone National Park, WY

Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming is dedicated to educating visitors about grizzly bears and gray wolves. Wolves have been endangered for several years and only recently been introduced back into Wyoming. This center is expanding each year since the time it was established. A recent upgrade was the Bird of Prey exhibit. They will also be adding a new walkway that leads from River Valley Wolf Habitat to the hawks, eagles, and owls. The bald eagle enclosure will include a cliff side structure that overlooks a small pond beneath.

The message for the entire exhibit and center is that wolves and bears are part of the ecosystem and can be very influential on the raptor population. Construction on the new walkway and bird areas began in September 2009 and they expect a year will be needed before the construction is complete.

Grizzly Discover Center is open daily from 8:30am to 4pm, even on holidays. The grizzly bears at the center do not hibernate, so they are available all year to see. Occasionally the hours may change due to seasonal issues, so it is important to check with the center before arriving on site. The enclosure for the Discovery Center is a block from the IMAX Theater and west entrance to Yellowstone National Park. Entry fees are $10.50, $9.75, and 5.50 for adults, seniors and children respectively. Children under five are free. Groups are also welcome to tour the center providing they offer notice at least a week prior to their arrival.

Parking at the facility is free. Credit cards are accepted for admission and also in the gift shop. The gift shop has various Yellowstone souvenirs including shirts, bells, spoons, toys, and much more. A playground is on site for children who wish to get a little exercise. Picnic tables are also located on the outside perimeter of the facility.

The grizzly bears, which are provided sanctuary at the facility, have come from all over the United States, though mostly from Yellowstone and Alaska. The bears arrived at the facility either because they were orphaned or posed as a nuisance in city areas. Typically the bears end up getting food from people, damaging property, or become aggressive, so the facility rescues them before they end up killed.

Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center has eleven wolves that live in packs of three. The wolves were born in captivity and were not able to be released in the real world. They came from facilities that were unable to keep them any longer. Visitors can watch the wolves play, eat, and watch their hierarchy in the viewing areas. The center is very dedicated to educating anyone who stops by.

They have a number of programs and outreach options to help anyone interested in learning. Children are able to join a daily program for learning how to be a naturalist and animal keeper. Children five through twelve are welcome in the program. The Birds of Prey exhibit also has an education program.