Screenings - Wonders of The Wolf
Wonders Of The Wolf is an award winning documentary exploring one of the most successful conservation efforts in modern history, The Yellowstone Wolf Project. From their historic recovery in 1995 to today's thriving wolf packs, Yellowstone Wolf Project biologists share inspiring stories about the wolves they study in the park. Using bioacoustic technology, researchers are uncovering how wolves communicate, applying their findings to resolve livestock-wildlife conflicts and protect these majestic creatures.
Wonders Of The Wolf recently won Best Central Coast Documentary Short at the 2025 San Luis Obispo International Film Festival and Best Documentary at the 2025 Idyllwild International Film Festival.
Director's Statement
I had never been to Yellowstone National Park. I journeyed to the park in early 2023 to the Lamar Valley. I saw my first wolf in the wild -- wolf 907F. A female wolf, leader of the Junction Butte Pack and the oldest wolf in Yellowstone National Park. It was truly an emotional experience to see wild wolves. Even more emotional hearing them howl. I was filled with a wild sense of wonder. I was also filled with a sense of purpose. I wanted to tell their story and be part of the advocacy to protect them. I headed back to California and began pre-production for Wonders Of The Wolf.
It has been an incredible journey making this film. I am so grateful to Nathan Varley, Quinn Harrison, Dr. Douglas Smith, Taylor Rabe, Dr. Jeff Reed, Kira Cassidy, Malou Anderson-Ramirez and Dr. Naomi Louchouarn for all that they do for wildlife and for sharing their knowledge and observations for the film.
I am grateful to my incredible film team. Rising at 4am in frigid weather is not for the faint of heart! It was all worth it. The incredible memories made while making the film include bear encounters, bison jams, frozen burritos, many meals at Wonderland Cafe, and many incredible wolf sightings.
I am grateful to have met legendary wildlife filmmaker, Bob Landis, who generously let me use his original footage of the famous 06 female in my film. I am also grateful to have met author and devoted wolf watcher, Rick McIntyre, who shared his scope with me as he pointed out wolves he was watching. These are dear memories I will always remember.
For the wolves, in gratitude.
- Director, Angie Ruiz
In this Santa Barbara Green Guide feature, director and award-winning filmmaker Angie Ruiz shares the inspiration behind her new documentary, Wonders of the Wolf. Sparked by her daughter’s fascination with wolves, the film traces the near extinction of gray wolves and their remarkable restoration in Yellowstone National Park.
Ruiz offers an intimate look at the pack’s cooperative bonds, the pivotal 1995 wolf reintroduction project, and the ongoing challenges wolves face today. Filmed in the Lamar Valley with breathtaking visuals, Wonders of the Wolf captures both the science and the soul of wolf conservation.
Discover the heartwarming story that inspired the film and how Ruiz hopes it will motivate audiences to witness Yellowstone’s wolves in the wild.
In Episode #205 of The Wolf Connection Podcast, director and award-winning filmmaker Angie Ruiz takes us behind the scenes of her latest documentary, Wonders of the Wolf. Known for her captivating films like Forever Faithful and Black Beauty Breed, Angie shares her creative process, inspirations, and the vital message driving her new film.
Explore the profound bond between humans and wolves, the significance of wolf conservation, and how Wonders of the Wolf brings these stories to life. With its release on the horizon, this episode offers a glimpse into the compelling narrative of Yellowstone's wolves and the groundbreaking research shaping our understanding of them.
Tune in now to hear Angie’s journey and the heart behind Wonders of the Wolf!
