At first glance, M1564 seems like every other Mexican wolf residing in the Wolf Conservation Center’s Endangered Species facility: elusive, endangered, essential. But the shy male has experienced something only very few lobos have – the wild.

Born around April 15th, 2015, M1564 spent most of his young life roaming the vast terrain of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests as a member of the Hawks Nest Pack but his life as a wild lobo came to a devastating end when he was removed from the wild in the fall of 2016 for attacking livestock. The elusive male was then flown to the WCC in 2017 via a series of private flights (thanks to the organization Lighthawk) and introduced to a spacious enclosure, where he now resides with f1505.

The feisty female, affectionately known as “Trumpet”, captured the hearts of WCC staff and supporters when she was born to parents M1059 and F1143 in 2016. Webcam viewers were entertained by her boundless energy and endless antics, and were overjoyed upon learning about her union with M1564.

The pair has enjoyed months of “newlywed bliss” but it’s possible the honeymoon stage might be coming to a close. WCC staff is hopeful that f1505 might give birth to a litter of pups within the next few weeks, so the bonded family of two could very well become a loving family of at least three! Watch their webcam for clues.

Join us in sending congratulatory birthday howls to a wildly amazing wolf! Happy birthday, M1564!