The Red Wolf is considered one of the most endangered species in the world. Declared threatened in the 1960s, it has been an ongoing battle to save this native North American species through breeding programs and controlled release into designated wild areas. Despite these efforts, vehicle collisions, gunshot mortality and an unconcerned political climate have reduced current numbers of wild red wolves to an alarming 15 -18 individuals in selected recovery areas and National Wildlife Refuges in North Carolina. Fortunately, several zoos throughout the country have small populations of red wolves as part of their breeding recovery program. I spent some time at the Oglebay Zoo in Wheeling, WV studying the red wolves in their enclosure. I was struck by the expression on this individual’s face – it encapsulates the current status of the red wolf’s existence. The red background signifies the danger of his future, as well as the peril and chaos this planet faces.
The Red Wolf is considered one of the most endangered species in the world. Declared threatened in the 1960s, it has been an ongoing battle to save this native North American species through breeding programs and controlled release into designated wild areas. Despite these efforts, vehicle collisions, gunshot mortality and an unconcerned political climate have reduced current numbers of wild red wolves to an alarming 15 -18 individuals in selected recovery areas and National Wildlife Refuges in North Carolina.
Fortunately, several zoos throughout the country have small populations of red wolves as part of their breeding recovery program. I spent some time at the Oglebay Zoo in Wheeling, WV studying the red wolves in their enclosure. I was struck by the expression on this individual’s face – it encapsulates the current status of the red wolf’s existence. The red background signifies the danger of his future, as well as the peril and chaos this planet faces.