Lost Wolves of Yellowstone is a powerful feature documentary built from newly recovered and restored 16mm film footage, combined with in-depth interviews with the people who shaped the historic reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone. At its heart, the film interweaves the stories of Mollie Beattie and Wolf #5, the pioneering alpha female who became the namesake of Mollie’s Pack.
Mollie Beattie was the first woman to lead the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). In January 1995, under her leadership, wolves returned to Yellowstone for the first time in nearly 70 years—a bold and controversial restoration effort that reshaped conservation history. Beattie defended the project before Congress, standing firm against fierce political opposition.
That same year, just months after the wolves’ release, Beattie was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer at age 49. Even as her health declined, she continued her work on behalf of wolves and endangered species. At the same time, Alpha Female #5 was forging her legacy in Yellowstone’s backcountry—seeking out new territory, finding a mate, and rebuilding a pack from near collapse. That lineage became known as Mollie’s Pack, a living tribute to the woman whose vision made their survival possible.
There will be a Q&A session with director Thomas Winston and former Yellowstone Wolf Project leader Mike Phillips following the film!
Duration of documentary: 93 Minutes
This is a member event, but we encourage you to bring non-member family and friends!
Lost Wolves of Yellowstone was co-produced by the International Wolf Center.
Heights Theater
3951 Central Ave NE
Columbia Heights, MN 55421
Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
The film starts at 7:00 p.m.
Q&A at 8:30 p.m.
Treat Yourself! Dairy Queen is right next door. Grab your favorite Blizzard or cone and bring it into the theater to enjoy during the event. Traditional concessions will also be available for purchase.
Q&A Session Speakers
Director Thomas Winston
Tom is an EMMY award-winning filmmaker and the Founder/CEO of Grizzly Creek Films, an independent production company headquartered in Montana. Tom and his team have created original series and documentary films for The Smithsonian Channel, National Geographic, The History Channel, Amazon and PBS. His films have been screened and honored at the world’s premier festivals, including Tribeca, BFI London, Mill Valley, Jackson Wild, Wildscreen and the International Rome Film Festival.
Mike Phillips is recognized for his instrumental role in restoring wolves to the American West. As the original leader of the Yellowstone Wolf Project (1995-1997), he spearheaded the successful reintroduction of gray wolves to Yellowstone National Park, a landmark achievement in wildlife conservation. Phillips’ contributions extend beyond wolf recovery, encompassing a wide range of endangered species conservation efforts. He currently serves as the Director of the Turner Endangered Species Fund, continuing his dedication to protecting imperiled species and inspiring conservation action.
