Grey wolves are one of the most flexible animals in Planet Zoo 2. They accept desert, tropical, grassland, taiga, temperate and tundra biomes, so you can put them in almost any zoo. They're also persistent escape artists. In a wolf habitat, the barrier deserves more of your attention than the plants.
Group size
Wolves live in packs of up to 12 males and 12 females. As the pack grows, every requirement grows with it: land, den size, enrichment and bedding.
The barrier
- Around 4 m of concrete, with glass panels for viewing.
- Check every rock near the edge. My wolves escaped by climbing a rock next to the barrier. If you get an escape alert, either pull the barrier inward or remove the boulder.
- "Habitat barrier damaged" means the wolves are testing the fence. Keep a mechanic in the work zone so it gets repaired quickly.
- A natural barrier works well too. A slope in front of the habitat plus simple boards on posts looks very natural.
The den
Wolves want a den. The best option I've found is a rock overhang dug into a hillside. It counts as shelter and looks natural. When the pack grows (seven wolves needed a bigger one), enlarge the overhang.
Check the traversable area after building rock work. Sometimes a rock blocks the way and needs nudging so the wolves can reach the den.
Ground and plants
- Sand, light soil and grass.
- Temperate montane trees and shrubs.
- Snow paint is optional but looks great for a northern pack.
- Leaf bedding. You only need a little. My wolves wanted 8 and I'd placed 47.
Water
A ground fountain is the easy option for drinking water. It has a small running cost.
Temperature
The comfortable range is -8 to 29 °C. In a warm or tropical map, place a habitat cooler set to around 0 °C.
Enrichment
- Piñata pronghorn and rotation feeder
- Chew toy and tug rope
- Three dog balls. They specifically wanted three.
- Upgrade the food grade for better welfare.
Avoid the small bubble machine in a wolf habitat. It reshapes the terrain around it.
Release groups
| Group | Members |
|---|---|
| Mixed group | 2 males + 2 females |
| Monogamous pair | 1 male + 1 female, at least 50% genetic diversity |
Some wolf research levels only unlock after you've released wolves in the Sweden reserve. If research is blocked, that's the reason.
Education
Use education TVs near the viewing area: a fact sheet, mammal evolution and diurnal behaviour all fit wolves well. Add a donation bin nearby.