WILDLY IN LOVE

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and love is in the air at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park! There’s no concrete way to measure an animal’s love but many of the animals at Northwest Trek are coupled up, or longtime companions, and enjoy each other’s company. Of course, Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples- it’s about celebrating friendship and family, too!

Swans

Trumpeter swans mate for life, and the current pair in Northwest Trek’s 435-acre Free-Roaming Area are no exception. Rescued with wing injuries that left them unable to fly, they are always by each other’s side, waddling or swimming together every day.

Raccoons

Born in 2011, raccoons McChord and McKenna were rescued as orphans, growing up together at a wildlife rehabilitation center. They moved together to their forever home at Northwest Trek and have been inseparable ever since. On any given day, they can be seen roaming their habitat or just snuggling together in their den to sleep. Their companionship has recently played a big role for McKenna; she was diagnosed with cancer in August 2019.

“Conspecific enrichment (spending time with another animal of the same species) is so important for this species, and especially for McKenna,” explains Northwest Trek veterinarian Dr. Allison Case. “The companionship, the contact. It’s critical for a full life.”

Grizzlies

Bromance. Bro-entines (like, galentines). Brotherly love. Whatever you want to call it, grizzly bears Hawthorne and Huckleberry have it. While not technically brothers, they both arrived to Northwest Trek as cubs around the same age, orphaned in the wild and rescued. They are often seen climbing and exploring in their large habitat together, splashing in their pool or napping on logs near one another.

Badgers

Galentine’s Day is unofficially celebrated on Feb. 13 and it’s perfect for badger sisters Poppy and Lavender! Galentine’s Day is a celebration of female friendship, and the two badgers are often seen curiously exploring their habitat and digging for food together.

Send an Animal Valentine

Sending love this Valentine’s Day? Pick one of our Animal Valentines to say “I love you” – in a furry unique way! Just download, print and add the details – or click to send an ecard.