Meet Abisko the Wolverine, the New York Zoo’s New Exhibit | Children’s content

WATERTOWN — It took some convincing, but the state’s only captive wolverine at a zoo walked out of its exhibit to meet a group of fans at the New York Zoo Thursday morning.

The 11-year-old wolverine, named Abisko, was introduced to about 50 people during a ceremony at the Thompson Park Zoo.

Initially shy, Abisko hung around his indoor enclosure momentarily before zookeeper Steve Chorma had him greet the crowd with some zoo food — called Feline Nebraska — that he loves.

Born in Sweden, the playful wolverine walked along the fence in search of food as zoo enthusiasts welcomed him to his new home.

“He’s very happy to be here,” Chorma said. “He has a great personality.”

Abisko is the new exhibit at the New York Zoo.

Abisko arrived a few days ago from the Minnesota Zoo, where he participated in the international wolverine breeding program for about a decade.

He retired after becoming the father of “many children,” said Chorma, the zookeeper.

Minnesota Zoo officials agreed to make the New York Zoo its “forever home” after coming to Watertown to tour the Abisko exhibit, Chorma said.

Abisko replaces another beloved wolverine, Valentine, who died at the age of 16 last winter.

Named after a park in his native country, Abisko is the only wolverine living in a New York zoo and one of ten in a North American zoo.

Wolverines are solitary by nature and no longer live wild in the state after being hunted or hunted by humans, said acting zoo director Mark D. Irwin.

“He came here in very good condition and very well trained,” Chorma said.

With the help of other staff members, Chorma, who has worked at the zoo for almost three years, will be responsible for caring for the zoo’s newest resident.

Wolverines are carnivores, aggressive hunters. They are awake during the day and sleep at night. They live in colder climates.

It is important to educate the public about animals that are native to the state and then return to live in a natural environment.

This summer, Abisko will be the subject of many discussions at the zoo hosted by Chorma.

Adams resident Glenn Hancock encountered the wolverine with his 2 1/2-year-old granddaughter Kinsley.

“He’s happy to get to the fence,” Hancock said.

A member of the zoo for several years, Hancock hopes the city will continue to financially support the zoo, so the animals are fed and cared for.