Maternity Pen
187 southern mountain caribou now exist, up from a population of 38 in 2013
The 1990’s saw a rapid decline in Klinse-Za caribou. Through active efforts led by West Moberly and Saulteau First Nations, the caribou population has increased from 38 caribou in 2013 to 187 caribou in 2025.
Supporting Caribou Survival: Safe Pens, Safe Release
Safe Capture
Pregnant caribou are safely and carefully captured by trained professionals for relocation to our maternity pen (March or April). Each female is monitored, gently handled, and transported with care to minimize stress and ensure their well-being.
Maternity pen care
The secure, high-elevation pen is within the caribou’s natural calving area and provides a safe environment for them to give birth (May to June) and raise their calves. Indigenous Guardians live on-site and care for the caribou full-time.
Release
When the youngest calf is 8 weeks old, the mothers and their calves are released (July or August). Leading up to the release, Pen Guardians monitor every cow-calf pair daily, ensuring their health and safety.
Ongoing Monitoring
Collaring, aerial surveys, and mortality investigations allow our science program to measure the success of the pen and support accurate conservation reporting.
“It was an all out effort. We didn’t go into it half-hearted.”
– Chief Roland Willson