Elise van den Nieuwelaar

Animal caretaker assistant

Hi, I’m Elise from the Netherlands. I’ve had a lifelong passion for animals, but canines have always been up there with my favourites. My journey with the Wolf Science Center began when I stumbled upon a documentary showcasing some of their work. Intrigued by their mission and in search of an internship for my Master’s in Behavioural Ecology, I decided to reach out.

To my delight, in 2023, I was invited to assist with a cooperation experiment involving dogs, wolves, and people, conducted by a PhD student from the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna. As part of my internship, I also had the opportunity to work as an animal caretaker intern once a week—a role that quickly became one of the highlights of my experience. Seeing the dedication and welfare-centred care provided by the trainers, along with the trusting relationships they build with the animals, immediately drew me in.

In 2024, I was lucky enough to come back as an animal caretaker assistant and help with the raising of the three amazing wolf pups: Meeko, Kaya, and Aiyana. Not only did I learn a lot about wolf puppies, but I also got closer to the other animals at the center. I was able to build trusting relationships with some of the dogs, and I also started to understand and learn more about the adult wolves. I didn't know it was possible, but I fell even deeper in love with the place, the animals, the people, and the work in general. But all good things must come to an end—and it did, for a short time at least.

Because now, in 2025, I got the opportunity to come back again as an animal caretaker assistant, and for me it was a very easy decision. I'm excited to see what this year will hold. But however it turns out, I count myself very lucky to be living my dream.