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Akron Zoo welcomes red wolf pups



Photo courtesy of the Akron Zoo

WEST AKRON — For the first time in its history, the Akron Zoo has welcomed critically endangered red wolf pups. Eight pups arrived April 22, born to the zoo’s mother, Juno, and father, Waya, who were paired based on a breeding recommendation from the Red Wolf Species Survival Plan. Visitors may begin to see the pups, shown at right, in June.
Four of the pups were designated by the Red Wolf Recovery Plan to be cross fostered to a den in their native habitat, where a native red wolf had recently given birth, and were transported to North Carolina May 1, where they were successfully introduced. Zoo officials stated this is the first time since 2014 that red wolf pups have been reintroduced into their native habitat.
Red wolves are critically endangered, with fewer than 20 wolves estimated to be left in their native habitat, making them the most endangered canine species in the world, according to zoo officials.
“The Akron Zoo is proud to be able to play a part in saving red wolves in their native habitat and in zoos,” said Akron Zoo President and CEO Doug Piekarz. “This birth and the subsequent cross fostering is a major conservation win for a species that was once native to Ohio.”
Zoo officials stated the Akron Zoo is a partner in the Red Wolf Recovery Plan and also supports the Red Wolf Coalition, a conservation organization based in North Carolina that advocates for the long-term survival of red wolf populations by teaching about the red wolf and by fostering public involvement in red wolf conservation.
The Akron Zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $13 for ages 15 and up, $11 for senior citizens, $10 for children ages 2-14 and free to those younger. Parking is $3. Tickets must be purchased online in advance.
For more information, visit www.akronzoo.org or call 330-375-2550.