Wolf Haven Completes Extensive Renovation Project to Welcome New Wolves

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Wolf Haven International Press Release

July 30, 2026

TENINO, WA – In early June 2026, a dedicated group of contractors, volunteers, and community members broke ground on the largest enclosure renovation project in Wolf Haven International history. The project, which was fully funded by Greater Good Charities, replaced two of the sanctuary’s oldest, deteriorating enclosures with a new, larger wolf habitat to house female gray wolf, Billie, and her new companion.

Born into the pet trade and rescued from private ownership, Billie became a resident of Wolf Haven in 2021. Her spunky personality and one-of-a-kind smile quickly made her a beloved member of the sanctuary family, but sadly, she lost her longtime companion in 2025.

Prior to Greater Good Charities breaking ground, Wolf Haven’s local partners at NW Green Clearing efficiently demolished the two old enclosures, while Summit Fence Company, LLC constructed a corridor that allowed Wolf Haven staff to shift Billie into a temporary home for the months of May & June. Then, in the days that followed, Greater Good Charities’ construction team – along with a number of local volunteers and RedRover volunteers – installed over 600 linear feet of specialized eight-foot fencing to enclose approximately 0.6 acres of habitat.

In addition to the main enclosure build, Greater Good Charities also built a new shelter pen and two multilevel enrichment platforms. “Enhancing the living space of our residents is one of the fundamental ways we fulfill our sanctuary’s purpose of providing the best possible care while raising the bar for wild canid husbandry,” says Pamela Maciel Cabañas, Wolf Haven’s Sanctuary Director. “Billie is a very active female gray wolf who will undoubtedly benefit from the enlarged habitat and modernized structures – and what better environment to introduce her to her new companion than a fully renovated home!”

Billie’s new companion, Nicky, was transferred to Wolf Haven along with his brother, Cerberus, following the completion of the enclosure construction project on Tuesday, June 30. Before their 1,800-mile cross country flight, the brothers spent most of their lives at the Como Park Zoo & Conservatory in Minnesota – one of the last free zoos remaining in the United States. But when the zoo began developing a plan to renovate some of its habitats last year, it was decided that the wolf exhibit would be phased out to allow more space for feline species. Jill Erzar, Senior Zookeeper at Como Zoo, reached out to Wolf Haven to see if there was room for their wolves to move into a tranquil sanctuary home, and the rest is history. “We are incredibly grateful to collaborate with Wolf Haven on transitioning Nicky and Cerberus from bachelor brotherhood to cohabitation. Wolf Haven’s mission very closely aligns with ours, and we are in awe of the work they do!”

Nicky (front) and Billie (back) shortly after being introduced to each other in their brand-new enclosure at Wolf Haven (credit Greater Good Charities)

Accredited by both the American Sanctuary Association (ASA) and the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), Wolf Haven has provided a lifetime home to over 325 animals at their sanctuary locations in Tenino, Washington and Bridger, Montana over the years. They also provide educational programming; support the restoration of wolves in historical ranges; and actively discourage wolves and wolfdogs from being owned as pets. In 2024, Wolf Haven became the honored recipient of the GFAS Outstanding Wildlife Sanctuary Award, chosen from over 200 sanctuaries worldwide for their exceptional sanctuary, education, and conservation work.

Support Wolf Haven International’s important work today by making a donation at wolfhaven.org/donate, following them on social media @wolfhavenint, and signing up for their email newsletter at wolfhaven.org/#newsletter.