EXCITING NEWS!! OUR FIRST LITTER OF MEXICAN GRAY WOLF PUPS HAS ARRIVED!
Here’s a quick update – more news to follow soon:
The WCC participates in the Species Survival Plan (SSP and Recovery Plan for the critically endangered Mexican gray wolf (Canis lupis baileyi), and (until Tuesday!) had 18 SSP wolves on site at our Westchester facility – including two breeding pairs. Mexican gray wolves are among the rarest mammals in North America. Presently there are approximately only 400 Mexican gray wolves remaining on Earth.
On Earth Day, April 22nd (how appropriate!) the WCC was blessed with our first litter of pups born here at the center. The Mexican gray wolf parents, M566-Dad and F613-Mom (the Alpha pair from the Cincinnati Zoo that arrived last November with their 8 pups), were given the opportunity to breed because their offspring will increase the genetic diversity of their rare species.
The elusive mother originally evaded our den cameras so unfortunately we did not capture the actual birth, but we were able to readjust the cameras a couple of days later to capture video of the new family. We know there are at least 4 pups in the litter, and are guesstimating that there may be as many as 7 or 8. Updated pup photos and footage will be posted on the website as soon as available – so come back soon to watch the new wolf family grow!
The WCC is honored to be home to these endangered wolves and to assist with the recovery of this keystone species. And what a great way it was for us to celebrate Earth Day!
Click Here - for video clips
Click Here - for still photos
To SPONSOR a Pup, Click Here!