Wolverines are the largest land-dwelling mustelids and among the most challenging carnivores to manage in captivity. Their welfare requirements are extensive.
Wolverine welfare in zoo settings is exceptionally challenging given the enormous mismatch between their natural ranging requirements and any feasible zoo enclosure. Their need for vast territories, food caching opportunities, physical challenge, and thermal environments appropriate to cold-adapted physiology cannot be fully met in captivity. The welfare case for maintaining wolverines in zoo settings is contested; the conservation value of captive wolverines is limited given the primary threat of climate change rather than direct exploitation. Where wolverines are maintained, welfare requires maximum possible space, cooling systems, food caching opportunities, and scent enrichment to engage natural marking and territorial behaviour.