30 Years of Yellowstone Wolves

The return of gray wolves to Yellowstone National Park 30 years ago was one of the most exciting and important conservation developments of our lifetimes. Defenders of Wildlife played a leading role in the reintroduction, demonstrating wildlife recovery is possible and that, together, we can prevent extinction. Video Transcript: 30 years ago, Defenders of Wildlife was on the ground in Yellowstone National Park when wolves bounded back onto the scene after an absence of nearly 70 years. Defenders played a pivotal role in the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone. We conducted public education campaigns to garner support for reintroduction, established a program to compensate ranchers for verified livestock losses to wolves, litigated in court to ensure their reintroduction and fought for federal funding. In total, 66 wolves were released in Yellowstone and central Idaho from 1995 to 1996. The return of gray wolves to Yellowstone marked not only a turning point for this magnificent species but also for Yellowstone, which saw a resurgence in other wildlife and a restored ecological balance. From the first wolf that leapt from its cage in Yellowstone to today, Defenders has never been more committed to protecting imperiled species and restoring them to their natural habitats across North America. From Colorado, which has begun its own wolf reintroduction program. To North Carolina, which is home to the only existing wild population of Red Wolves. And to the southwest, where Mexican gray wolves are rebounding. We are honored to be part of these wolves’ stories. And on this, the 30th anniversary of gray wolf reintroduction to Yellowstone National Park, we thank you for being part of our journey and for making possible what seemed impossible decades ago.