Nov 26, 2025 - News

Columbus Zoo wolverine backs the Buckeyes

Alissa Widman Neese

Dark brown wolverine walking on white snow with snowflakes on its face, looking forward in a winter setting. — Not all wolverines wear maize and blue. Photo: Amanda Carberry, courtesy of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Central Ohio is Buckeye country — but since the '80s, 12 wolverines have called it home.

Zoom in: The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is one of just a dozen U.S. zoos that cares for these fierce, solitary hunters, which are part of the weasel family.

The intrigue: Alvar, the zoo's 12-year-old wolverine, recently predicted the Buckeyes — not the Michigan Wolverines — will win on Saturday.

Keepers presented him with two painted pumpkins and he picked the block "O."

What they're saying: "Our wolverines always have been and always will be Buckeye fans," North America Trek assistant curator Josh Keller told WCMH-TV.

"... when you come here, just treat them with respect and just know that Alvar's rooting for the Buckeyes just like you are."

Fun fact: American wolverines don't live anywhere near here. They're out west, in the snowy Rocky Mountains.

Alvar is a European wolverine, which may explain why he feels no obligation to root for Michigan.

📬 What do you think: Did Alvar get it right? Email [email protected] with your score predictions for Saturday's big game.

Whoever's guess is closest will win free Axios swag!

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Columbus Zoo wolverine backs the Buckeyes

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