Sony Alpha 7 III
Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS Lens
Shutter Speed
1/2000 sec
Aperture
f/5.0
Focal Length
174mm
ISO
1000
South Salem Wolf Conservation Center
@benskaar
The Wolf Conservation Center in South Salem, New York is a not-for-profit environmental education organization working to protect and preserve wolves in North America. They currently house three ambassador wolves, Alawa, Zephyr and Nikai (Alawa pictured here), along with 21 Mexican gray wolves and 10 critically endangered red wolves.
Watching the wolves explore their expansive enclosure is extremely eye opening to what incredible creatures they are. However, my favorite times during my visit at the Wolf Conservation Center must have been when each of the ambassador wolves would unleash their harmonizing howls, leading wolves from the other enclosures to do the same. WCC is undoubtedly a life-changing experience for those who do not often get so close to wildlife and the photos taken inside are one in a million!
Plan
Overview
Skill level
Moderate
Accessbility
Hours
General office hours are 9AM-5PM and the WCC operates six days per week Tues-Sun.
Visits must be scheduled through the website: https://nywolf.org/.
Fee
$100
Pack
- Telephoto lens (70-400 mm range; 174mm)
- Tripod
- Sturdy hiking shoes
- Proper outdoor clothing
- Bug spray
- Snacks (for individual consumption)
How to get there
N41° 16' 47.388"W73° 35' 05.6508"
To capture this image of the ambassador wolf, I walked down the fence from the viewing platform at the ambassador wolves' enclosure. This perspective allowed me to photograph Alawa's side profile as she stared at the crowd.
In order to arrive on location, put "7 Buck Run St, South Salem, NY 10590" into your GPS service of choice. On NY-35, you'll see a white sign saying "BUCK RUN", which is where you'll turn. Drive up the road until you reach a metal gate. Park near the gate and walk up the remaining hundred feet to the facility.
It's especially important to have proper footwear in the winter months, as the walk up to the buildings can be slippery. Once you've walked up the hill, you'll be greeted by your guide and led to the enclosure to view the ambassador wolves.
Tips
When to go
Best season
January, February, March, December
Best time
Morning, Mid-day
In order to capture these wolves in wintery conditions, I suggest visiting the Wolf Conservation Center during the months of December through March.
This location can also be very beautiful when the leaves return, so don't feel limited to these winter months and explore the center during other times of the year, too.
From my experience at this location, I found that the enclosure was naturally lit during the morning to midday hours. I was also told the wolves were more active during this time because they tend to sleep more in the afternoon before the enclosures close for the day.
Field tips
Please listen to everything the guide says! The #1 rule will always be to respect the wolves when you are visiting the Wolf Conservation Center.
Bring a telephoto lens, but don't go overboard! The wolves will often cycle through coming right up to the fence and right back toward their den, so using too long of a lens can be difficult when the wolves are nearby.
Make use of the viewing platform! It's really amazing to watch the wolves from above, as it is amazing to see them from the ground level.
Current weather
South Salem, New York
Clear
27o
F
Sun
39o
22o
Mon
38o
27o
Tue
44o
28o
Wed
39o
30o
Thu
38o
33o
Blue Hour
11:22
27o
Clear
Sunrise
11:50
27o
Clear
Golden Hour
21:50
27o
Clear
Sunset
22:29
27o
Clear
Do nearby
Driving north along the Connecticut border is a must! Make your way up to Kent Falls State Park, CT on some beautiful New England backroads.
Locations nearby
