Wolverines are wide-ranging solitary predators that present significant welfare challenges in captive environments due to their large territory requirements and active, problem-solving nature.
Zoo wolverine welfare is inherently challenging given the extreme mismatch between their wild range requirements and any feasible enclosure size. The largest zoo exhibits are fractions of wild territory ranges. To partially compensate, wolverine exhibits should be maximally complex with diverse terrains, climbing structures, substrate variation, and regular novel enrichment. Food caching behavior can be encouraged by hiding varied food items. Scent enrichment using novel odorants stimulates natural exploratory behavior. Temperature regulation — wolverines are adapted for cold environments — requires access to cool areas and may limit suitable facilities. Their solitary nature means individual housing is welfare-appropriate except for breeding management.