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Wolf Hollow Gray Wolf Sanctuary in Ipswich, Massachusetts | Photos

A collection of images from the Wolf Hollow gray wolf sanctuary in Ipswich, Massachusetts, from photographer Kieran Kesner.

Wolf Hollow Gray Wolf Sanctuary in Ipswich, Massachusetts

Coffee By Design | Portland, Maine

Photo Credit : Katherine Keenan
Photographer Kieran Kesner shares a few of his favorite winter images captured at Wolf Hollow gray wolf sanctuary in Ipswich, Massachusetts. Founded by Paul C. Soffron in 1988 as the North American Wolf Foundation, the sanctuary works to educate the public about the gray wolf’s threatened population and natural habitat. The sanctuary’s work continues today under the leadership of Paul’s wife Joni and their son Zee. The sanctuary offers the unique opportunity to meet their resident gray wolves (at a distance) and observe them interacting with their pack-mates at close range. Daily visits are scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays from April through November, and Sundays only from December through March. Visit wolfhollowipswich.org for more information. Interested in photographing these beautiful creatures? The sanctuary offers a special Photographer’s Session from a closer perspective. Learn more on their site. See the original feature on Wolf Hollow gray wolf sanctuary by Laura Miller from the January/February 2017 issue: The Wolves of Winter
Wolf Hollow Gray Wolf Sanctuary in Ipswich, Massachusetts
Argus, a 5 year old male, locks eyes with the photographer. His sibling, Arrow, is seen in the background.
Photo Credit : Kieran Kesner
Wolf Hollow Gray Wolf Sanctuary in Ipswich, Massachusetts
Assistant Director Zee Soffron walks the pathway in between the double fences on the way to do chores. In the winter, ice is broken in water buckets and filled twice daily along with providing dry bedding and removing snow from the wolf enclosures.
Photo Credit : Kieran Kesner
The crowd get a closer look at the wolves. Winter months provide unique viewing opportunities as they are far more active during the colder months, especially approaching the breeding season in late January, early February.
The crowd get a closer look at the wolves. Winter months provide unique viewing opportunities as the wolves are far more active during the colder months, especially approaching the breeding season in late January and early February.
Photo Credit : Kieran Kesner
Wolf Hollow Gray Wolf Sanctuary in Ipswich, Massachusetts
Zee gets a kiss from Jelly, a 13 year old wolf with her own unique personality, who seems to prefer human company over other wolves.
Photo Credit : Kieran Kesner
Wolf Hollow Gray Wolf Sanctuary in Ipswich, Massachusetts
Zee in the enclosure interacting with Argus. Even though the staff and volunteers imprint (or bond) with the wolves from days old, it is paramount that they always exhibit appropriate body language and allow the animals to approach on their own terms.
Photo Credit : Kieran Kesner
Wolf Hollow Gray Wolf Sanctuary in Ipswich, Massachusetts
Arrow, Grendel & Argus all 3 brothers are 5 years old now and arrived at Wolf Hollow from a sanctuary in Indiana as young pups.
Photo Credit : Kieran Kesner
Zee addresses the crowd both wolves (Nevaeh and Arrow) and humans are equally curious of one another.
Zee addresses the crowd. Both wolves (Nevaeh and Arrow) and humans are equally curious of one another.
Photo Credit : Kieran Kesner
Bear is a wolf-dog hybrid born in 2008. Bear was being kept illegally in an apartment outside of Boston but fortunately came to live at Wolf Hollow at 3 months of age. Wolves and wolf-dog hybrids are illegal pets in Massachusetts.
Bear, a wolf-dog hybrid, was born in 2008. He was being kept illegally in an apartment outside of Boston but fortunately came to live at Wolf Hollow at 3 months of age. Wolves and wolf-dog hybrids are illegal pets in Massachusetts.
Photo Credit : Kieran Kesner
Wolf Hollow Gray Wolf Sanctuary in Ipswich, Massachusetts
Hayley and Rex relax with Bear after spreading fresh hay for bedding. Wolves can withstand extremely frigid temperatures up to 50 degrees below zero.
Photo Credit : Kieran Kesner
Wolf Hollow Gray Wolf Sanctuary in Ipswich, Massachusetts
A pack of three in one of the enclosures follow Kevin after a hard day of work.
Photo Credit : Kieran Kesner
This post was first published in 2017 and has been updated. 

SEE MORE: Guide to New England Animal Sanctuaries The Man Who Watches Bears Wild Turkeys in New Hampshire | Return of the Native

Heather Marcus

More by Heather Marcus

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  1. I’ll visit this summer when I come to CT. In the meanwhile, how can I buy several stuffed bear toys????

  2. I make custom made walking sticks. I will send pics of how I pay tribute to the wolf. perhaps you might be interested for your gift shop. More to follow……..

  3. Do you rescue gray wolves… We have two young in the back yard between three homes in Saugus… Howling at night…they look sweet and dog- like… Sit at rest then move back to more roaming???? Rare find 10/20/17… Please a rescue…we are alarmed and will inform neighbors… Nancy and Robert …617 543 2946

  4. was there last summer you mentioned you might be getting pups will you?enjoyed my visit please let me know