Lights, Camera, Action!
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
By Dan Monn, Animal Care Specialist & Project Coordinator Published in Wolf Tracks vol. 42, no. IV
Winter 2025/2026
Near the end of 2023, Wolf Haven set out to replace our out-of-date remote camera system with one that takes advantage of current technology while also providing us flexibility and adaptability for the future. When I joined the Wolf Haven animal care (AC) team in 2016, they had already recognized the shortcomings of the existing camera system and dreamed of what new cameras could do for the wolves. Though there were several challenges to overcome, we now have a new system in place that will be paying dividends to our residents for years to come!
While the previous camera system served as an important tool for the AC team for many years, there were several factors that made 2023 the right time to upgrade. The previous system had proprietary software that was no longer supported, and the cameras had been out of production for years. It was becoming increasingly difficult and expensive to replace them as they inevitably failed, so by the time we began the new installation, we were down to just three fully functional cameras.
The old cameras also had very low resolution by current standards. When monitoring health and safety, we couldn’t distinguish between a spot of mud or a potential bite wound on a wolf. It was even difficult to identify individual wolves if they looked similar, so we rarely used the footage for anything beyond basic monitoring. We were mostly relying on what the AC team could capture with their phones or our trail cameras to share with members, guests, and the education team. Though effective, both had significant limitations compared to having remote cameras running all the time.
Lastly, though not specific to the old camera system, we didn’t have the ability to reach roughly one-third of the sanctuary. Camera cables generally have a limit of 300 feet, and the sanctuary only has two power sources, which limited the enclosures we could monitor.
Up-close images of Mesa and M2235 (Ben) from Wolf Haven's new remote camera system
Our new camera system solves all these issues and provides many other benefits! Most significant are the advantages that come with the dramatically improved resolution. The clear images and incredible optical zoom increase our effectiveness to remotely monitor the wolves as we can get very clear and up-close visuals on them. Wounds or swelling, for instance, can be clearly seen and assessed on screen without having to handle the animal.
Wolf Haven also continually looks for ways to reduce our physical presence around the Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE) animals under our care, to further minimize their habituation to humans. The new cameras allow us to decrease our time around the American Red Wolves and Mexican wolves in the SAFE program because we know we can do detailed visual checks from the office. We are no longer forced to spend extra time looking around or entering an enclosure to check on a hiding wolf. Instead, we can use the cameras to see them after we've left. Wariness around humans is a natural trait we want to foster in potential release candidates, and the new camera system is one of the best tools we have for encouraging that behavior.
The improved footage allows us to participate in non-invasive scientific studies, too. These studies can improve our knowledge of, and potentially care of, wolves in captivity. This past year, for example, we participated in an ongoing reproductive behavior study that allowed us to analyze hours of high-quality behavioral footage of American Red Wolf pair F2215 (Carmin) & M2151 (Jasper), who had been selected for breeding in 2025. We look forward to being able to contribute to similar studies in the future!
Beyond caring for the animals, improved camera imaging means better footage for our education team to use when discussing wolf behavior, as well as a new source for the beautiful clips we love to share with you at events and on social media. Getting a glimpse into how the wolves interact with their enclosure mates and neighbors when people aren’t present is a special opportunity. It serves as an important reminder of the unique personalities found in those who call the sanctuary home.
The new camera system includes a variety of strategically placed cable rolls & boxes that help us reach and monitor all areas of the sanctuary
Of course, when first considering this project, we knew the system would provide some challenges too. Fortunately, we found Region-6, a security and electronic systems integrator based out of Seattle who was more than up to the task. They designed a complete system with custom solutions that met all our needs and worked closely with us every step of the way to address any issues that arose. On April 25, 2024, we turned the cameras on for the first time!
Over the next month, we worked out minor glitches and trained staff. One of the biggest challenges we knew we’d encounter was accessing all of the enclosures without running wires through the sanctuary. We needed to find a way to increase our coverage so we could monitor new arrivals, newly introduced pairs, and animals with ongoing health concerns, while also getting fun footage of long-time residents who most people have never had a chance to see. A solution that Region-6 devised for us was four portable camera units we can attach to any fence post inside or outside an enclosure. The camera is set up on a telescoping arm (making the height easily adjustable) and includes a great cable management system (making it easily deployable).
The flexibility and customizability of the new cameras have already proven beneficial. When we originally planned the new system, we didn’t think sound was critically important. The old system worked for so long without sound that it didn’t feel necessary, and not including it was a way to keep costs down. But once we started watching high-resolution clips of the wolves howling in silence, we knew that was a mistake. So, in early 2025, we added microphones to two of our portable cameras, thanks to funding provided by a kind donor!
None of the work we do at Wolf Haven would be possible without our incredible supporters such as yourself. For the roughly $200,000 total camera system upgrade, one donor in particular provided a very generous gift that allowed us to move forward with the project with confidence. They have chosen to remain anonymous, but we can’t thank them (or any of our donors) enough for the opportunity to continuously improve our care of the wolves.
