The Museum of Life and Science in Durham, N.C., recently welcomed a new addition to its red wolf family. Adeyha (M2080), a male red wolf from the Niabi Zoo in Coal Valley, Ill., has joined the Museum in exchange for Niko (M2164). Meanwhile, the female red wolf, Oak (F2304), remains with the Museum.
The Museum of Life and Science is part of a national coalition of zoos and nature centers dedicated to red wolf survival. Wolves are often moved within the network to maximize breeding success and recovery of the species. Niko and Oak had been paired for breeding for two years without a successful pregnancy. The move aims to give both Niko and Oak the opportunity to form successful breeding partnerships with new mates.
“Bringing Adeyha to the Museum is a significant milestone in our continued commitment to red wolf conservation,” said Senior Director of Animal Care, Sherry Samuels. “Adeyha’s arrival represents another step that the Museum is taking in preserving this majestic species and providing our visitors with a unique opportunity to connect with one of the world’s most endangered species.”
Red wolves were once a common species in North Carolina. Yet, with roughly 300 individuals worldwide and less than 20 individuals remaining in the wild today, the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ lists the species as critically endangered.
The Museum of Life and Science is an active participant in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ SAFE American red wolf. Established in 2018, the program supports conservation efforts for this species by maintaining a healthy and viable population of red wolves in human care, growing education and awareness efforts, and aiding in critical research.
With a longstanding commitment to red wolf conservation, the Museum has housed 52 red wolves and welcomed more than 25 new pups since 1992. Each birth resulting from these conservation efforts holds value for the species’ survival and symbolizes hope for the red wolf population.
“The survival of the red wolf is not merely a conservation endeavor,” Samuels said. “It serves as a testament to our role as stewards, highlighting our responsibility to safeguard the beauty and diversity of our natural world for the well-being of future generations.”
Photos Credit: © Museum of Life and Science
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