Since 2019, documentary photographer Marielle van Uitert has been observing the return of the wolf to The Netherlands. What does the presence of this predator mean for humans and nature? And how do we navigate the emotions and conflicts that the presence of the wolf evokes? In ‘Het Wolvenpact’ (‘The Wolf Pact’), Van Uitert presents this current and multifaceted subject matter in a compelling way.

This ambitious documentary photobook takes the reader to the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Italy, and Sweden. The photography lies at the heart of the book, illustrating how the wolf impacts the landscape, daily life, and society. In addition to the images, the book contains approximately 25 pages of text, with contributions by Hugh Jansman, affiliated with Wageningen University & Research. A diverse range of stakeholders are also given a voice - from outspoken proponents and opponents to individuals whose professional or personal lives intersect with the wolf. It is not only the book’s content that is exceptional: the cover features wolf paw prints in phosphorescent ink, which glow in the dark.

‘Het Wolvenpact’ does not take a political stance; instead, it provides space for a variety of experiences, insights, and beliefs. The result is a nuanced, human-centered portrait of an animal that both divides and fascinates our society. A remarkable photographic document about the wolf, humanity, and the complex relationship between the two.