Conservation

The red wolf was originally found in much of the southern United States and into Mexico, roaming virgin forests from Texas to Florida and north into the Carolinas and in the Ohio Valley. However, today it is one of the most endangered animals in the world. Predator control programs and loss of habitat brought the total population of red wolves in the wild to less than 100 animals by 1970. To save the species, the Red Wolf Recovery plan was enacted in 1973, and the last remaining wolves were removed from the wild. In 1980, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officially declared red wolves extinct in the wild.

The Alexandria Zoo, who joined the conservation effort in 1978, was one of the first zoos to become involved in the red wolf program. Four pups were born shortly after receiving our first pair. Today, the Zoo is one of approximately 40 cooperating facilities across North America participating in the national breeding program to prevent the extinction of the species. In April 2007, red wolf puppies were born here at the zoo. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will place the pups through its Red Wolf Recovery Plan.

Through recovery and management efforts, an estimated 100 red wolves now roam the wilds of northeastern North Carolina and another 150 comprise the captive breeding program. However, hybridization with the eastern coyote, illegal mortality, vehicle mortality, and diseases such as heartworm continue to threaten the red wolf population.

It is only through continued conservation efforts that this species will return to the wild in increased numbers. Hopefully, the red wolf will again hunt and howl throughout its native habitat.