The Sainte-Croix Zoological Park situated in the Lorraine National Park in northeastern France offers its guests an exceptional entertainment: sleeping in the park observing the wolves.
Since the earliest times, people were ruled by fear and terror at the mention of a wolf. But do wolves pose a threat to humans or are we just carried away by the negative image of the grey predator and do not appreciate the irreplaceable role played by the wolf in the wild?
The wolf has always been a negative character in the folklore. Let us recall the “Little Red Riding Hood” by Charles Perrault. The girl was carrying pies to her sick grandmother strolling through the enchanting French forest, and the vicious and cunning wolf tried to lead her right off the road and eat her. However, this is just a fairy tale for kids, whereas the story of the Beast of Gévaudan is indeed frightening. In France they identified the beast as the man-eating wolf that terrorised the province of Gévaudan (Lozère) in the 1760s. According to official sources, it is estimated that the mysterious beast attacked about 250 people.
It was never trapped; poisoned baits didn’t do it any harm. The beast successfully escaped the raids. As a result, people gripped with fear started mass persecution of wolves. However, the reason for this lied not only in fairy tales and stories, but also in the attacks on livestock. Wolf hunting resulted in the decrease of the number of specimens from 5,000 wolves at the beginning of the 19th century to 500 in 1900 and the last wolves vanished from France in the 1930s, according to loup.org.
Despite the severe persecution of these animals, the wolves still did not die out, but simply moved to quieter areas bordering France.
Later, the country's environmental organisations called to address the issue from a different perspective. Thus, since 1979, these predators have been protected under the Berne Convention. France began to establish national parks and special protected areas to restore the population of rare species of animals. The government has adopted special rules to protect the habitat of animals that are on the brink of extinction. And finally in 1992, the first wolves in more than 50 years were spotted in the Mercantour National Park, France.
After the establishment of natural parks the number of wolves in the Alps increased to 30 animals by 2 000, and in 2009 it grew up to 180-200 animals.
Now in France there are 29 zones of constant presence of wolves, out of which 26 are located in the Alps, two in the Pyrenees, and one in the Vosges.
The return of wolves to the Vosges, which is located in the territory of three French regions - Alsace, Lorraine and Franche-Comté - marked a new era in the life of wolves in France. The «Le Monde» reported that in 2017-2018 the population of wolves increased to 430 animals, and in 2019 it grew by almost a quarter, to 530 wolves.
The French authorities yet intend to increase the population of wolves, actively trying to attract the attention of tourists to the issue of this endangered species in the country.
The unique zoological park Sainte-Croix is one of the largest in France - it is home to three types of wolves. In the park it is possible to see the Arctic wolf, which is sometimes called the white wolf. This specimen is distinguished by its white color regardless of the time of year. The park is also inhabited by the grey wolf as well as the black wolf.
However, what’s exciting about the park is that you can admire these beautiful wolves not only taking a walk through the park but also staying at one of the authentic cabin huts right among the wolves. Secretly sheltered in the heart of the forest and hidden from the view, five types of huts for any taste invite visitors to spend an unforgettable time among these wild animals. Only far from people and one-on-one with nature you can feel all the magical appeal of wild wolves.
Each house provides an excellent view over the habitats of these predators while preserving their "personal space". All huts are made of wood, stone and earth - which is a good setting to feel harmony with nature and refill oneself with energy. Some houses are equipped with terraces, jacuzzis and French windows.
Fans of the Lord of the Rings saga will be fascinated by «the wolf den» (La Tanière des loups) with its magical hobbit-inspired designs. Even the most demanding tourists won’t be able to resist the incredible charm of its rounded shapes and a chic interior. In the evening a wood-burner will help create a romantic mood.
Most houses can be booked by groups of up to 6 people. Park workers offer a unique program that will help guests explore the wolves, their lifestyle and recognise the value they bring to the natural environment.
The role of the wolf in nature is extremely important - this beast performs a regulatory function, controlling the number of other animal species that could interfere with human activities. Despite the fact that we are used to seeing a threat in the wolf this ferocious predator needs protection and preservation and we have the opportunity to get to know it better by spending the night in the Sainte-Crois park.
