Gypsy & Diablo, two Mexican wolves recommended for breeding at Wolf Haven
Finally some good news about Mexican gray wolves! The Mexican Wolf Interagency Field Team (IFT) counted at least 83 Mexican wolves in the wild (Arizona & New Mexico) at the end of 2013. Although this doesn't sound like a large number, it is a 10% increase over 2012, and a far cry from the mere SEVEN Mexican wolves that remained alive when the captive management program began in 1977.
The Mexican Wolf Species Survival Plan is a cooperative effort between the USFWS and the AZA. There are currently
about 270 Mexican wolves in 52 facilities in the United States and Mexico.
Aldo, a Mexican wolf, is currently the oldest animal at Wolf Haven
Mexican wolf and Wolf Haven
Wolf Haven is one of only three Species Survival pre-release facilities in the U.S. for the Mexican wolf, and has had two packs released into the Apache National Forest in AZ. A total of five litters of pups have been born at Wolf Haven, and four pair are recommended for breeding this year. Here are HIGHLIGHTS of Wolf Haven's participation in the the Mexican wolf Species Survival Plan.
Juno and Shadow at Wolf Haven
Superbowl Shut-Out
Despite the positive increase in the Mexican wolf population, we know all too well that there is frequently heart-breaking or discouraging news coming out about wolves in the wild. For a change of pace, Wolf Haven decided to celebrate the fact that our state won the Superbowl for the first time ever. With amazement, we realized that two of our resident rescued wolves were both from the states of the opposing teams! Juno came to us from Colorado, while Shadow was rescued from Washington. Game On! Apparently there were a lot of others who enjoyed the fun, because in no time at all, our photo-enhanced picture of Juno & Shadow had gotten over 1500 shares on Facebook. Through all the excitement, thrill of victory and agony of defeat, Shadow & Juno couldn't care less.
Here is a VIDEO of Shadow doing his victory lap! (actually, the food truck had arrived).
Carrying tub of meat to be sorted for Wolf Haven's residents
