At the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone, you can observe grizzly bears, gray wolves, river otters and birds of prey in a wildlife park outside Yellowstone National Park’s West Entrance. The nonprofit center cares for animals unable to live safely in the wild and uses exhibits and keeper programs to explain their needs. Look for the indoor otter and raptor displays as well as the outdoor habitats. Children can take part in Keeper Kids, hiding food for bears to find.
A wildlife center outside Yellowstone
The Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center is a nonprofit wildlife park and educational facility in West Yellowstone, at 201 S Canyon St. It opened in 1993 and sits outside Yellowstone National Park’s West Entrance. The center cares for grizzly bears and gray wolves that cannot survive in the wild, giving them a protected home while helping visitors learn about their species.
The animals are not all there for the same reasons. Some bears were orphaned or became unsafe around people; some wolves were born at the center and cannot be released. The center presents them as ambassadors for their wild counterparts, with education and conservation at the heart of a visit.
Bears, wolves and indoor exhibits
Outdoor habitats let you watch the bears and wolves at close range. Wolves remain on view in their enclosures, while bears are brought out one at a time. The bears also take part in tests of bear-resistant products, including rubbish containers, which show how food storage can affect encounters between people and bears.
Inside, the river otter exhibit and displays about birds of prey add other species to the visit. The raptor exhibit is seasonal. The center also has exhibits about wildlife and conservation, including the “Bears: Imagination & Reality” gallery. A visit can move between indoor displays and outdoor animal habitats, so leave room for both.
Programs for children
Keeper Kids gives children a way to take part in animal enrichment: they hide food in an enclosure and watch as a bear searches for it. The program runs twice daily, according to the available information. Staff talks and other educational activities help explain animal behavior and care; ask what is scheduled on the day you visit.
The center’s year-round access and indoor exhibits make it an option in different seasons. Spring can bring active animals and enrichment activities, while winter is noted as a quieter time to visit. Admission information describes access for two consecutive days, which can help if you want to return rather than cover the exhibits and habitats in one visit.
Perguntas frequentes
Where is the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center?
It is at 201 S Canyon St in West Yellowstone, outside Yellowstone National Park’s West Entrance.
What animals can you see there?
The center has grizzly bears, gray wolves, river otters and birds of prey, among other animals.
Is there a program for children?
Keeper Kids lets children hide food for bears to find. The program is described as running twice daily; ask staff about the schedule during your visit.
How long is admission valid?
Admission includes access for two consecutive days.
