New Forest Wildlife Park in Hampshire has welcomed two European grey wolves to its facilities, marking the return of the species to the park following an extended absence. The female wolf, aged two years, originated from the Reserve d’Animaux Sauvages in Belgium, while the one-year-old male came from Parc Animalier de Sainte Croix in France. Prior to their arrival at the Hampshire location, the two animals spent time together in Belgium to establish a social bond before making the journey across the English Channel.
The park’s previous wolf population had consisted of four individuals that arrived in 2010. Over time, three of the animals—Cedar, Idaho, and Rocky—experienced age-related health complications and died. This left two remaining wolves, Chaser and Aspen. When Chaser’s condition deteriorated significantly in October 2024, park management grew concerned about the welfare of Aspen, given wolves’ dependence on social structures and pack dynamics. The decision was made to euthanize both remaining animals, a move described by staff as exceptionally difficult.
According to Jason Palmer, the park’s curator of collections, the reintroduction of wolves required months of preparation and coordination with specialists from the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria. Palmer noted that wolves represent one of the most demanding species to maintain in captive settings due to their complex social requirements and behaviors. The park had consistently expressed its intention to reestablish a wolf presence but had encountered administrative obstacles related to post-Brexit procedures governing animal transfers from European facilities.
The arrival of the new wolf pair adds to the park’s expanding roster of large predators available for visitor observation. The facility recently introduced Bodie, described as Hampshire’s only wolverine, last year, and welcomed lynx sisters Tora and Inga earlier in 2026.