42F
aka "Cinderella"
From Cinderella to Alpha Queen
By the mid-20th century, wolves had been eradicated from the American West, causing serious ecological imbalances. Without wolves, prey populations like elk grew unchecked, leading to overgrazing and cascade of negative effects on the environment. In 1995 and 1996, wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone National Park and central Idaho to restore this lost balance. Among these reintroduced wolves was the Druid Peak pack, which would become one of the most famous packs in Yellowstone's history.
Wolves in the story
In Yellowstone, some wolves are fitted with radio collars by researchers for scientific monitoring. Collared wolves are identified by their radio collar number, with 'F' indicating female and 'M' male.
For example, 42F was fitted with radio collar 42, and she is a female.
42F: Known as "Cinderella," she rose to become the alpha female of the largest recorded wolf pack in Yellowstone.
39F: 42F's mother, who was captured in Canada and relocated to Yellowstone with her daughters.
40F: 42F's dominant sister, who ruled with an iron paw until her death.
41F: 42F's sister, who ventured off on her own due to 40F's bullying.
38M: A Canadian wolf who became the first alpha male of the Druid Peak pack.
21M: A black-coated wolf from the Rose Creek pack who took over as the alpha male of the Druid Peak upon 38Ms death.
106F: 42F's niece who shared a den with 42F.
British Columbia to Yellowstone
Wolf 42F was captured in British Columbia, Canada, along with her mother (39F), two sisters (40F and 41F), and an unrelated male (38M). In January 1996, they were transported to Yellowstone National Park and placed in an acclimation pen constructed beside Rose Creek in Lamar Valley.
The Druid Peak pack
At the end of April, the gate to the pen was opened and the group exited the as the Druid Peak pack, named after the nearby geological formation. 39F and 38M were initially the alpha pair, but 40F had a fiery spirit and other ideas. Before long, she took control of the pack from her mother and pushed her out. She also dominated her sisters, forcing them into submission whenever they stepped out of line. Finally unable to bear any more mistreatment, 41F bravely ventured off on her own while 42F remained, enduring even more punishment. Her resilience in the face of her sister’s bullying earned her the nickname "Cinderella."
Tragedy and a new beginning
In November 1997, the pack crossed the Yellowstone Park boundary in search of better hunting grounds. Tragically, both the alpha and beta males of the pack were illegally shot and killed. The pack returned to the park, now without adult males. Within a few weeks, 21M, a black-coated wolf from the Rose Creek pack, encountered the Druids. Despite being the son of famous wolves 9F and 10M, 21M had to prove his worth to 40F. After hours of testing, he was accepted as her mate and the new alpha male.
The fight for leadership
In 2000, 21M bred with 40F, 42F and their niece, 106F. Each female produced pups in their own separate dens: 40F in the traditional Druid den, 42F to the west, and 106F to the east. Although 40F was the pack's highest ranking female, only alpha male 21M would regularly assist her while she was denning. On the other hand, 42F, was well-liked and pack members visited often. On the evening of May 7, 2000, 40F gave 42F another thrashing and followed her to her den. This time, 42F had enough; she had pups to protect. A fight broke out between the sisters, with at least two other females joining 42Fs side. The following day, 40F succumbed to her injuries.
Ascension to alpha female
Following her sister's death, 42F moved her pups from her den to 40Fs den, assuming the role of alpha female. She not only adopted her sister’s pups but also welcomed her niece and pups. Under the solid leadership of 42F and 21M, all three litters—21 pups in all—were raised together in the same den. Their efforts were remarkably successful, with 20 of the 21 pups surviving the year. 42F was the alpha female of the largest wolf pack ever recorded—a super pack of 37 wolves.
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Camelot
Cinderella found her prince in 21M. The nearly inseparable pair made a striking couple, perfectly complimenting one another in a Camelot-esque union. Together, they reigned over the Druids, through five of the most well-known years of the wolf reintroduction. Their partnership is one of the most famous in the history of Yellowstone wolves.
A tragic end
On Feb. 2, 2004, 42F was killed by a rival pack at the age of eight. Afterwards, the mournful howls of 21M, grieving the loss of his beloved, could be heard echoing across Lamar Valley. Just four months later, he took his last breath beneath a tree, high on a ridge overlooking the territory where he and 42F had raised their family. Although 21M was 10 years old, which is a long life for a wild wolf, many believe he died of a broken heart.
The legacy lives on
When 42F took in 40Fs pups and raised them as her own, one of those pups would grow up to become a mother herself. In 2006, she gave birth to one of Yellowstone's most beloved wolves, our namesake 06. In time, 06 would rule the land of her mighty Druid ancestors.
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Welcome back Cinderella!
"A Valley Vigil" is a bronze sculpture by George Bumann that immortalizes the iconic Yellowstone wolf 42F, also known as "The Druid Queen." Bumann, renowned artist, author, tracker, educator and naturalist, created this sculpture to capture 42F’s vigilant and regal presence in the wilds of Yellowstone.
The 06 Legacy is proud to have played a role in bringing 42F back to Yellowstone Forever's headquarters bookstore, located next to the Roosevelt Arch at the north entrance of Yellowstone Park in Gardiner, Montana. Renowned author, tracker, and educator George Bumann crafted this beautiful bronze sculpture titled "A Valley Vigil," depicting the legendary Druid alpha female.
This tribute to 42F was made possible through the collective efforts of George Bumann, Peter and Alicia Pond, The 06 Legacy, and the family of Richard Lane. The sculpture is inscribed with a moving dedication that honors the memory of 42F and all the wolves that have roamed Yellowstone, while also recognizing the ongoing commitment to protecting their kind.
Bumann's work, alongside his partner Jenny Golding, can be further explored through their initiative, "A Yellowstone Life," where they blend art, nature, and education to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the natural world. Through writing, photography, digital storytelling, and art, they bring the fascinating worlds of Yellowstone, wildlife, and animal language to life.
42F lived the natural life that all wolves are meant to, but tragically, many do not. Join us in the fight to protect wolves from trophy hunting and trapping.
The 06 Legacy is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit dedicated to protecting America's gray wolves through education, awareness, and electing pro-wolf officials to office.
42F Resources
Grand Lady of Yellowstone
Brad A.
Bulin
Vivid portrait of the wolves of Yellowstone. Bullin writes from personal experience as a Yellowstone Guide and Wildlife Filmmaker. 2020
Redemption of Wolf 302: From Renegade to Yellowstone Alpha Male
Rick
McIntyre
A coming-of-age story about Wolf 302's transformation from a ne'er-do-well who ran from danger to a leading his own pack, the new Blacktails pack. Follow along as 302 matures and proves it is never too late to change (Alpha Wolves of Yellowstone, Book 3). 2021
Reign of Wolf 21: The Saga of Yellowstone's Legendary Druid Pack
Rick
McIntyre
McIntyre chronicles Wolf 21M revered for his bravery and commitment to his mate, Wolf 42F. Stepson of Wolf 8, he stepped in as leader of the Druid Peak Pack that dominated the park for more than ten years (The Alpha Wolves of Yellowstone, Book 2). 2020
[DVD] Nature: In the Valley of the Wolves
The epic story of 21M and 42F is documented, with footage and production by Emmy-award winning filmmaker Bob Landis. Popular Yellowstone wolf 302M (Casanova) makes an appearance in this film.
[DVD] Rise of the Black Wolf
The story of Wolf 302M, also known as Casanova, one of Yellowstone’s most well-known and loved wolves. Footage and production by Emmy-award winning filmmaker Bob Landis. 302M was known to woo the ladies and was chased from the Druid Peak Pack by 21M.
The 06 Legacy is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting America's gray wolves.
