National Museum of Wildlife Art to host Wolf Weekend, a series of events in celebration of the opening of Wolves: Photography by Ronan Donovan

October 27, 2022

Jackson, WY: The National Museum of Wildlife Art (NMWA) will open Wolves: Photography by Ronan Donovan with a series of events, collectively coined “Wolf Weekend.” The exhibition, created by National Geographic Society and the National Museum of Wildlife Art, will display images and videos—highlighting the contrast between wolves that live in perceived competition with humans and wolves that live without human intervention. It will be on view at the National Museum of Wildlife Art through April 29, 2023.

The celebration kicks off with a Sneak Peek program on Friday, November 4 at 11:30 a.m. Featured photographer and National Geographic Explorer Ronan Donovan will give attendees a first look at this exciting exhibition. The Sneak Peek is free for Museum members, or included in the cost of general admission.

Festivities continue on the evening of November 4, with Wolves & Waffles a free community exhibition opening event. The first 300 attendees can enjoy sweet and savory waffles by Streetfood, as well as seasonal mulled wine and nonalcoholic cider. Donovan will speak at 5:30 p.m. in the Cook Auditorium and seating will be on a first-come-first-serve basis, limited to the first 200 attendees. He will then hold a Q&A following the presentation, with a book and poster signing in Sullivan Hall at approximately 6:30 p.m. The Museum Shop will be open for the event and attendees may purchase posters that evening. This event is generously sponsored by First Republic Bank.

On Saturday, November 5, Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole will host a VIP Reception with Donovan at Ascent Lounge from 5 – 7 p.m. Four Seasons is one of the exhibition sponsors.

Museum events continue on Sunday, November 6 with a Wolf Panel Discussion from 10 – 11:30 a.m. Donovan will moderate the panel which will include scientist Kira A. Cassidy, rancher and wildlife biologist Hilary Zaranek, and large carnivore biologist Ken Mills. The intention of the panel is to deliver varied voices from people who have spent collectively over 30 years studying wolves in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. All three of the panelists are dedicated to delivering measured and thoughtful opinions and ideas about the human-wolf relationship and are interested in finding ways to reduce the conflict between wolves and humans.

The weekend concludes with First Sunday programming from 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. Admission is free for area locals, and this activity is geared specifically towards families and children. Donovan will give a fun presentation at 1 p.m. and again at 2 p.m. Kids will be given passports to collect stamps at a variety of stations from a gallery scavenger hunt to a wolf print art activity. The craft take home bag will be a make your own ‘wolf pack’ origami kit. First Sundays are generously sponsored by Bank of Jackson Hole and Lawrence Finch.

Wolves: Photography by Ronan Donovan is organized and traveled by the National Geographic Society in partnership with the National Museum of Wildlife Art.

: “As a field biologist-turned-photographer, I strive to combine storytelling with scientific foundations as a way to draw people in and to tell stories about our rapidly changing world. I hope viewers can look into the wild nature portrayed in these images and be compelled to stand and protect it.” -Ronan Donovan

: Two wolves, one with a white coat and one with a black coat, travel through the Hayden Valley of Yellowstone National Park. Though wolves in Yellowstone vary in coat color, they are all members of the species Canis lupus (gray wolf). These two were a bonded pair, leading Yellowstone’s Canyon pack together for nine years. The female was later illegally shot inside the park.

: The Mollie’s pack investigates grizzly bear tracks in Yellowstone’s Pelican Valley. The only pack that remains from the wolf reintroduction in 1995, the Mollie’s pack was originally called the Crystal Creek pack. It was renamed in memory of Mollie Beattie (1947-1996), former director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and an instrumental figure in the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone.

: Hunts in the Arctic often last for hours. This photo shows a standoff between wolves and muskoxen which ended after six hours; the muskoxen held higher ground and successfully defended themselves until the wolves gave up.

: A mother greets her six-week-old pup as a yearling female rests nearby. The yearling helped attend to both this pup and the pups of another den, presumably also members of the yearling’s extended family.

What People Are Saying

"Not only was the museum interesting, the all gender bathroom was great. Thank you for thinking about LGBTQ and disabled people!"

— Bishnu A.

"An amazing collection of paintings, sculptures, and artifacts that preserve and celebrate the beauty of the natural world and wildlife. I was thoroughly impressed!"

— Rita D.

"What an amazing and inspiring collection. A lovely way to spend time in Jackson Hole!"

— Jo A.

"I loved it and was surprised to see a section that also encouraged children to participate, probably one of the only museums that wasn't boring!"

— Mandy L.

"This place is amazing! And I absolutely love the educational considerations for young minds. "

— Charlotte C.

"Wonderful museum. Excellent restaurant - the food, waitstaff, and ambiance! "

— Eileen J.

"Enjoyed the botanical tour! The plants were all blooming, and there were birds too. "

— Ron K.

"Really enjoyed the exhibit of the Big Four!"

— J.B.