The Wilder Institute’s Archibald Biodiversity Centre (ABC) is the home for the cities hottest new dating show, the pairing of the endangered Vancouver Island marmots. With less than 30 individual marmots left in the wild, the ABC has been carefully planning for the awakening of this years hibernating marmots.
The Wilder Institute has been involved in marmot conservation since 1998, and this location specifically has bred 667 marmots in the program, and as of 2025, there are 427 Vancouver Island marmots back in the wild. For the marmots, things are looking very optimistic, and experts are saying through these efforts, they may be avoiding extinction.
VIMs Pokey & Nala, a pair of young marmot parents.
Source: Calgary Zoo/Wilder Institute
Marmots develop bonds through their initial waking after deep hibernation. This closeness so soon after waking up, helps increase the chances of a bonded pair producing young. As the marmots hibernated, the Animal Care, Health & Welfare team (ACHW) spent months carefully planning the introduction of 9 pairs and one female marmot without a partner (for now!).
Each season has new introductions and experienced pairs, and this season includes two new pairs, Sombrino and Bessie, both two years old and are not expected to breed, but the increasing of their bond helps the chances of successful breeding in the future. Pokey, featured on the left, is an example of what the program can do in action. He was born in Toronto in 2022, and paired with Nala in hibernation in 2024. At 3 years old, Pokey was able to breed and the pair welcomed in a litter of two pups last year.
A studbook keeper, or someone who maintains detailed records about an animal population in captivity, breeding programs and other conservation efforts, recommends breeding pairs based on history, genetics and age.
CJWE spoke with Animal Care Manager, Caitlin Slade about these marmots, and what factors makes them the most endangered mammals in Canada.
We also asked Caitlin about how personality factors are considered when picking marmot pairs.
Caitlin told us about how the program helps marmots born under human care get back into the wild.
We also asked about Fiona, one of the ABC’s long time marmots.
The marmots and those who care for them are off zoo grounds, but those interested in the story can follow the website, or follow the Marmot Recovery Foundation on Vancouver Island’s website or social medias.
Comments