NEW Zoo welcomes endangered red wolf pups

SUAMICO – The world just got paws-itively brighter because four red wolf puppies were just born on April 24 at the NEW Zoo.

Puppies being born is always exciting news, however these newborn red wolf pups are no ordinary puppies.

American red wolves are the most endangered canine in the world and are only found in the U.S. There are currently 30 in the wild and 280 in human care. These puppies are cause for celebration for wildlife conservation.

The NEW Zoo is accredited through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) in which they work together to help save animals.

Its American red wolf SAFE (saving animals from extinction) program works closely with the government to help regulate them.

“The Red Wolf Program is actually one where red wolves that are raised in zoos can be released into the wild to help save their species” says Director of the NEW Zoo and Adventure Park Carmen Murach. “Although they are seriously protected, their biggest cause of death in the wild is poaching, poisoning and vehicle strikes.”

Intentional death of a red wolf can result in serious fines.

The conservation program purposely breeds pairs of red wolves based on genetic compatibility, and the two new parents, Ajana (mother) and Blade (father) seem to be the perfect fit.

“Mom and dad are doing a great job. They’re working together to take great care of their pups,” says Murach.

The puppies are usually snuggled up in the den with Ajana and are yet to open their eyes while Blade sits outside the den surveying their surroundings.

“They’re adorable, fuzzy, dark brown with very reddish heads. And now they’re starting to squeak and stretch,” says Murach. “We expect to see them starting to be mobile enough to leave the den at probably about 4 weeks of age.”

For now, the zookeepers are hands-off with the puppies to give the new family the space they need until they are old enough for a check-up and vaccines.

“We’re not entirely sure how long they’ll be with us, certainly for their first year. Frequently, they stay in their natal pack for their first two years before they’re sent off to other facilities to pair up and make more wolves,” said Murach. The more red wolf puppies, the better chance they have of going out into the wild to live on their own.

Murach emphasized the importance of getting support and care from the community to help conserve red wolves.

“Just by showing up at an AZA zoo, by paying admission or buying a membership, you’re helping programs like this,” said Murach.

“Spreading the information and sharing the care, helping us spread that message and even talking to local politicians because they have a lot to do with conservation efforts going on out there in the wild and especially for a species like this.”

To see updates of the puppies, people can access pictures and videos of them on the NEW Zoo’s website, Facebook and Instagram.

Pass It Forward™ editorial is sponsored by Packers Give Back, Nicolet National Bank and the National Trust for Local News.