3 California Wolf Center North American Gray Wolves Transferred to Lake Superior Zoo
Tehama, Sierra, and Shasta enjoying their new home. Photo courtesy of Lake Superior Zoo.
Sisters Shasta, Sierra, and Tehama move to newly-renovated wolf exhibit in Minnesota.
JULIAN, CA November 30, 2020 - California Wolf Center has announced that three of their resident North American gray wolves have been successfully transferred to Lake Superior Zoo in Duluth, MN. This transfer marks the first time the facility has had wolves on exhibit since 2015.
Sisters Shasta, Sierra, and Tehama, born at California Wolf Center on April 29, 2013, are named to honor the 2011 return of wild wolves to the state of California. Their brother Wintu, still remains at California Wolf Center’s conservation facility in Julian as the leader and father of their ambassador North American gray wolf pack. Their other brother, Sequoia, was transferred to Oakland Zoo to become part of their wolf exhibit in 2019.
Shasta, named after Mount Shasta in California, is the dominant female of the pack, despite being the smallest. She is blonde in color and has one gold eye and one brown eye. Tehama, named after the northern California county with the same name, has a dark grizzled coat and likes to boss her sister Sierra around. Sierra, named after the Sierra Mountains, is the largest of the three yet the most submissive. She has a very goofy personality and is very playful and curious.
“The transfer of three of our North American gray wolves went very smoothly, and we are excited for them to start their next adventure as ambassador wolves at the Lake Superior Zoo,” said Heidi Pankratz, Director of Animal Care for California Wolf Center. “We know that Sierra, Shasta, and Tehama are in great hands and they will inspire the many visitors that will get to see them on exhibit.”
“The arrival of Shasta, Sierra, and Tehama was quite exciting for our entire team at the Zoo as well as the Duluth community!” said Haley Cope, CEO of Lake Superior Zoo. “They are adapting well to Minnesota weather and we are thrilled to welcome them into our family.”
Lake Superior Zoo’s wolf exhibit has been renovated to include a den and a new pool thanks to Legacy Grant funding from the State of Minnesota. All three wolves can be seen on exhibit next to brown bears Tundra and Banks. The Zoo is open Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
About California Wolf Center
The California Wolf Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the return of wild wolves to their natural habitat and to the people who share the landscape with them. We foster communities coming together to ensure wolves, livestock, and people thrive in today’s world. Learn more at californiawolfcenter.org
About Lake Superior Zoo
Duluth’s Lake Superior Zoo is the only zoo in northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin. Since 1923, it has provided close-up animal experiences that inspire connections to wildlife and action towards conservation. The zoo’s picturesque property includes rocky hillsides, majestic pines and beautiful Kingsbury Creek. It is one of the region’s most popular year-round attractions. For more information, please visit LSZooDuluth.org or call 218-730-4500.
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California Wolf Center Media Contact
Lorraine Frigolet, Executive Director