Wolverines are rarely kept in zoological collections but their welfare requirements are demanding. Understanding their needs guides the small number of facilities maintaining this challenging species.
Wolverine welfare in captivity is extremely challenging due to the enormous mismatch between their natural space requirements and available enclosure sizes. These wide-ranging, solitary carnivores show high rates of stereotypic pacing in captive environments, reflecting chronic frustration of their movement drives. Large, complex enclosures with varied topography, opportunities for caching food, and minimal visitor disturbance provide better welfare than simple enclosures. The welfare question of whether wolverines can live adequately in zoo settings is legitimate and warrants honest assessment by facilities considering their acquisition. Conservation programs that protect wild wolverine populations may provide more welfare-compatible outcomes than captive management.