The very first lion I got to meet! Izwi was born in 2020, and their name means "vocal" in the Shona language of Zimbabwe. Izwi was named for his energetic personality. In January 2024, the zoo announced that Izwi would be leaving to live at another AZA-accredited institution. Male African lions play a critical role in the balance of savanna ecosystems. As dominant apex predators, male African lions help regulate populations of large herbivores like zebras, wildebeests, and buffalo. By controlling these prey populations, male lions prevent overgrazing, allowing vegetation to recover and sustain other wildlife. Their territorial nature also ensures that the ecosystem remains balanced, as they defend their pride’s territory from rival predators, further promoting biodiversity. The presence of male lions is essential not only for maintaining the structure of their prides but also for preserving the health and sustainability of their habitats.

Nyack was tragically killed by a lioness after their cubs were born in 2022. This portrait was after I got to spend time with his pride. Lions, often referred to as the "king of the jungle," play an essential role in savanna ecosystems. They primarily hunt large herbivores, such as zebras and antelope, controlling these populations and preventing habitat destruction caused by overgrazing. This regulation supports plant growth, which in turn sustains other species. Lions' presence helps maintain the intricate balance of life in their territories, showcasing their importance in preserving biodiversity.

A female lion who gave birth to the three cubs currently housed in the Dallas Zoo. When Bahati was a month old, Disney used video of her movements as a reference for designing Simba in The Lion King. Female African lionesses are the primary hunters in their prides and play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of savanna ecosystems. Through cooperative hunting, lionesses efficiently control populations of herbivores such as zebras, antelope, and buffalo. This predation helps prevent overgrazing, allowing plant life to regenerate and supporting the biodiversity of the ecosystem. Lionesses also play a key role in protecting and raising the pride’s cubs, ensuring the continuation of their species. Their role as both hunters and caregivers is essential to the health and sustainability of their habitats and the broader ecosystem.

This is Ty. He is a Tiliger, which is 75% tiger and 25% lion. This is a captive bred hybrid cat that came to the national tiger sanctuary 2022. Ty is a very unique cat due to the fact that there are only 6 registered Tiligers in the world. Tiligers show both characteristics of a tiger and lion. Stripes come from tiger genes, but the spots around his face come from lions when they are cubs. You can also see a slight mane around his neck which is a characteristic of the lions. Ty is 8 years old. These rare hybrids highlights important conservation concerns. While they do not occur naturally in the wild, tiligers can serve as a reminder of the dangers of habitat loss and the human interference that disrupts natural ecosystems.

This is Kora. He is the only orange bengal tiger at the National Tiger Sanctuary, and is currently 11 years old. Kora came to the sanctuary from the cub petting industry. He is very lucky to make it out of that industry because the mortality rate is around 90%, due to cub illness and euthanization. Kora is a pretty reclusive cat, so his enclosure has lots of trees to relax under if he wants to have a day to himself. Kora gets clicker training done by one of our staff members which is essential for visual body exams and overall mental wellbeing with our large cats. 

Meet Amal, she's a Siberian Tiger and is just over a year old. She lives with her sister Rani, and they are both energetic and playful. When Amal isn't rolling around her bedroom she is jumping around in puddles or rolling around her favorite coconut during enrichment time. She and her sister both came to the sanctuary in May of 2023. Her name means Peace.

Rani is a Siberian tiger and is just over a year old. She lives in an enclosure with her sister Amal, who is almost unbelievably more of a troublemaker. Rani is very playful and loves swimming in the pool, especially in the Summer. Both her and her sister came to the National Tiger Sanctuary in May 2023 and will soon be on the main tour path with all the other cats. Rani's name means queen.

This is Tony the Siberian Tiger, isn't he handsome? He lives with his sister, Lily, at the National Tiger Sanctuary in Missouri. They were rescued from private ownership in April 2023. Despite his size he is a spritely 5 years old! He is extremely playful and has lots of energy when it comes to entertaining guests and staff. Male Siberian tigers, as dominant apex predators, are vital to maintaining the balance of their forest ecosystems in Russia’s Far East. These powerful hunters control populations of large herbivores, such as deer and wild boar, preventing overgrazing and ensuring that vegetation thrives. By patrolling vast territories, male Siberian tigers help maintain the health and diversity of their habitat, supporting a wide range of species. Their role as top predators is essential for keeping prey populations in check and preserving the delicate ecological balance of the region’s cold, dense forests.

This is Dakar, he is a white bengal tiger and is about to be 12 years old! Dakar came to the National Tiger Sanctuary with the biggest rescue to date that consisted of 16 white tigers from a leasing and breeding facility. Dakar is part of our destructive duo with his brother Bashir because they constantly tear things up. He just recently got a three tier platform built for him in his enclosure and has been loving it!

This is Bashir, he is a white bengal tiger and lives next door to his brother Dakar. These two make up the "destructive duo" and Bashir is known as the brawn. His reputation was finally earned when he bit a bowling ball in half during enrichment time, which is insane. He is now given elephant rated play equipment as he is too strong for anything else. Again, insane.

Casper came to the National Tiger Sanctuary in April 2023. Casper is a Siberian Lynx and is very similar to the US native bobcat. Casper loves the winter time, and will make snow angels in the snow. Casper is 4 years old. The lynx is a solitary hunter that plays a vital role in forest ecosystems, particularly by controlling populations of smaller mammals like rabbits and hares. By keeping these prey species in balance, lynx help prevent overpopulation, which can otherwise lead to habitat degradation. Their predatory activities contribute to a healthier, more diverse environment, ensuring that plant life and other animals in the food chain thrive.

This is Slash, inspecting me from his shady perch next to his brother Axel (out of frame), as they provided me with one of the most breathtaking encounters of my life. Cheetahs like these two, who are raised by humans, need very specialized care. Naturally anxious, these speedy cats can actually run themselves straight into a fence fatally injuring themselves, as they have poor natural eye sight. Cheetahs, the fastest land animals, play a unique role in ecosystems by hunting smaller, fleet-footed prey like gazelles. By targeting these quick herbivores, cheetahs help control populations that might otherwise deplete local vegetation through overgrazing. Their predation helps maintain a healthy balance in the environment, ensuring that both plant and animal species can coexist sustainably.

She might not look like it, but as a black leopard she still has spotted patterns on her coat. Midnight just turned 17 recently and was a private ownership pet before she came to the National Tiger Sanctuary in Missouri. Midnight loves hide n seek, as well as, lemongrass essential oil on her toys and enrichment. Leopards have rosettes, and can actually pull prey twice their size into trees for feeding. Leopards are highly adaptable predators that live in a wide range of habitats, from forests to mountains. Their ability to hunt a variety of prey, from antelope to smaller mammals, keeps ecosystems in balance by preventing any single species from becoming too dominant. By managing these populations, leopards indirectly support vegetation and contribute to the health and diversity of their environments.

Ocelots are medium-sized wild cats that live in North, Central, and South America. They are also known as tigrillos, ocelotes, and gato onza. Ocelots are sometimes called "ghost cats" because of their secretive nature. Don't let her small size fool you, Jade is a powerful predator, are essential to the ecosystems of forests and grasslands in the Americas. By hunting a variety of prey, including rodents, birds, and reptiles, ocelots help control populations of smaller species that might otherwise grow unchecked. This predation prevents overgrazing and protects the diversity of plant and animal life. As a keystone species, ocelots contribute to the overall health and balance of their habitats, making their conservation vital for the ecosystems they inhabit.

This gray fox, Kestrel arrived at Wolf Park in May 2019 with his brother, Marshal. Kestrel was wildly entertaining as a kit. He loved to climb anything he could find.  It doesn’t matter if it was the walls of his nursery or a tree in his habitat, Kestrel wanted to be as high as he could go!  We will often hide food or treats up high for Kestrel to find, but the real challenge isn’t retrieving the food, but keeping it a secret from Marshall!!

Joker passed away in 2022 after many happy years with Wolf Park, and while he is now gone he will never be forgotten. Joker was a melanistic red fox, and his beautiful coat is what we call ‘silver phase’ fur. He was an absolutely stunning subject with a warm, shy, and patient demeanor. He spent most of his time in his tree, watching his sister roam about as people occasionally passed by without ever noticing him hiding.

Scarlette, the prettiest red fox I've ever seen, was brought to Wolf Park in December of 2014 from the Lakeside Nature Center in Missouri. She is a rescue from a private owner, and wasn’t a candidate for release. However, she is a phenomenal animal ambassador to humans on behalf of her wild cousins. Scarlette’s favorite thing to do has to be “mouse pouncing”, which is a hunting behavior, which she shows off regularly to visitors.

Máni was born in 2017 to Timber and Wotan. He was named after the Germanic moon god, which connected him with his father, who was also named after a Germanic deity. Máni grew to be the tallest pup in the pack living up to his name.  He excels in training games and puzzles. He is highly intelligent and quickly to picks up new things. He’s frequently the wolf standing by the fence checking out new people and often escorts tours around the enclosure edge.

Aspen was born to Timber and Wotan in 2017. There were five puppies raised at Wolf Park that year. Instead of joining an existing pack, Aspen, Máni, Niko, Sparrow and Khewa were raised together as a ‘puppy pack’ until 2019 when they reached social maturity and Sparrow was moved to solo housing due to rising social tensions. Aspen and Niko still frequently enjoy ‘play dates’ with Sparrow for most of the year. Aspen is a large and laid-back wolf, though he often likes to start games of ‘keep-away’. The park has a rowboat which photographers like to use to photograph the wolves standing on the shore of the lake. Aspen was the first puppy to ride in the boat – he loved it and still does.

Khewa and her brother, Niko, came to Wolf Park in 2017 from Wolf Mountain to be raised alongside the pups born at Wolf Park that year. Khewa is easily distinguished from the other wolves in the main pack by her light grey fur, short tail and short muzzle. She darkened and grew into her features as she matured, although she still has the shortest tail and a slight dip to her muzzle. Khewa quickly became known as the ‘mud puppy’. She loves water, mud, muck and mire. If there was something stinky which could be rolled up, she was sure to find it. She loves to enthusiastically face greet (kiss) her keepers, usually leaving a trail of muddy paw prints wherever she’s been.

Niko came to Wolf Park in 2017 from Wolf Mountain along with his sister, Khewa. They joined the pups born at Wolf Park that year to form a puppy pack of five. Niko is the only black phase pup in the group and easy for visitors to identify. His favorite toy in the puppy nursery was a stuffed duck, earning him the nickname, ‘Niko-Beako’. Now that he’s older, he still likes finding sticks, bones, boxes and other things to carry around or shred. Niko enjoys training, social time with his keepers, and playing with his sister and ‘play dates’ with Sparrow.

Timber is a petite wolf who was born at Safari North Zoo, in Brainerd, Minnesota, in the spring of 2014. She grew up at Wildlife Encounters, an education/rescue facility in Omaha, Nebraska. They agreed to raise her, socialize her, and help find her a home as they were not equipped to look after a wolf for their whole life. They reached out to Wolf Park to ask if they might provide her with a permanent home and they said yes. In 2017, she and Wotan became the parents of five pups, three of which remained at Wolf Park. She enjoys visits with the male wolves, but they can’t always handle her level of energy and excitement for extended periods of time. Interns have made her a variety of toys to keep her occupied. One of her favorites was a cow-hide ball, which she tossed around happily. She also loves interesting scents and anything she can tear apart.

Sparrow was the smallest of the pups born in 2017 to Wotan and Timber. She remains on the slender side, but did grow taller than her mother. Sparrow, Máni, Niko, Aspen, and Khewa were raised together as a ‘puppy-pack’ until 2019 when they reached social maturity. Due to rising social tensions she was moved into solo housing. Sparrow still enjoys social visits with both Niko and Aspen frequently for most of the year. Sparrow is known for her high intelligence and tractability among the staff. She loves to train and she’s exceptional at learning new skills. The staff nicknamed her ‘Hermione’, because she used to push other pups out of the way if she knew the answer to a training game. She’s also an explorer with little fear of new places.

Wolf park has been home to a small herd of bison since 1982. Our original bison came to us from the Columbia Park Zoo and we’ve continued to grow the herd since then. Currently Wolf Park is home to 10 bison named Wonky, Muscogee, Licky, Thelma, Louise, Bonk, Vamchi, Big John, Pretty Patrick and Aretha! Our bison give visitors a chance to see the national mammal of the United States and a historic Indiana species. The bison also give our behavior and training seminars a unique species to observe and sometimes train. They are often a favorite among our summer camps and youth programs.

Mounds State Park is unique for its ancient earthworks, created by the Adena-Hopewell people over 2,000 years ago, blending rich cultural history with environmental conservation. The park’s rare white river ecosystems and mature forests provide habitats for endangered species like the Indiana bat. It also preserves native plant communities, including unique wildflower populations. Its efforts focus on protecting these historical and ecological treasures, ensuring the delicate balance of its landscapes while fostering a deeper connection between history, nature, and conservation.

Turkey Run State Park stands out for its stunning sandstone gorges, formed over millions of years by glacial meltwater, creating some of the most unique geological features in the Midwest. The park preserves ancient hemlock groves, a rare sight in Indiana, and its diverse landscapes support thriving populations of native wildlife. Conservation efforts at Turkey Run focus on maintaining the pristine condition of its rugged ravines and old-growth forests, ensuring these unique geological formations and rare ecosystems remain untouched for future generations to explore and appreciate.

Cosmic Cavern, hidden beneath the Ozark Mountains, is one of the most unique living caves in the region, known for its stunning underground lakes and rare rock formations like helictites and soda straws. The cavern is home to blind cave creatures, including the endangered Ozark cavefish, and its pristine subterranean ecosystem is carefully preserved through strict conservation efforts. Cosmic Cavern’s preservation initiatives focus on protecting its delicate formations and the fragile, unique species that inhabit its depths, offering a glimpse into one of the most unspoiled natural wonders beneath the Ozarks.

Palo Duro Canyon, often called the "Grand Canyon of Texas," is renowned for its vibrant, multi-layered rock formations and dramatic red cliffs that showcase millions of years of geological history. This unique landscape supports rare plant species like the fragrant cliff rose and offers critical habitats for wildlife, including the Texas horned lizard. Conservation efforts at Palo Duro focus on protecting its striking geological features, preserving native flora and fauna, and maintaining the canyon’s natural beauty while educating visitors about the ecological and cultural significance of this remarkable natural wonder.

Grayton Beach State Park in Florida is renowned for its pristine sugar-white sand dunes and crystal-clear emerald waters, offering one of the most unspoiled coastal ecosystems on the Gulf Coast. The park's rare coastal dune lakes, a unique geological feature, support a diverse range of wildlife, including nesting sea turtles and migratory bird species. Conservation efforts at Grayton Beach focus on protecting these delicate dune systems and preserving the biodiversity of the surrounding wetlands, forests, and coastal habitats, ensuring the natural beauty and ecological integrity of this rare environment remain intact.

Seal Rock Beach in Oregon is a striking coastal gem known for its towering sea stacks and unique tidepools teeming with marine life. The rocky shores provide critical habitat for harbor seals, seabirds, and a rich array of tidepool creatures like sea anemones, starfish, and crabs. Conservation efforts at Seal Rock focus on protecting its fragile intertidal ecosystems and the wildlife that depend on these habitats, while preserving the natural beauty of the rugged coastline for future generations to enjoy and learn from.

Portland Arch Nature Preserve in Indiana is a rare geological treasure, featuring a striking natural sandstone arch formed by ancient stream erosion. This unique landscape is one of the few places in Indiana where oak savannas, prairie remnants, and rare wildflowers coexist in a small, biodiverse area. Conservation efforts at Portland Arch focus on protecting these fragile ecosystems, including its endangered plant species and rich wildlife, ensuring this natural landmark remains a haven for biodiversity and a living testament to Indiana’s geological history.

Fall Creek Gorge, known for its striking natural potholes sculpted by centuries of rushing water, is one of Indiana’s most unique landscapes. The gorge’s limestone bedrock is shaped into smooth, swirling formations that are unlike any other in the state. Surrounded by a diverse mix of ferns, mosses, and rare wildflowers, this area supports a range of native species in a fragile ecosystem. Conservation at Fall Creek Gorge focuses on safeguarding these rare geological wonders and preserving the thriving plant and animal life that make this gorge a distinct natural treasure.