Photo: Roger Williams Zoo
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WBZNewsRadio) - A family of red wolves living at the Roger Williams Park Zoo are heading to Ohio to "ensure the long-term survival of the species."
Working alongside the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the facility has been moving towards the goal of "protecting at least 30 percent of the planet by 2030."
The red wolf was placed on the endangered species list back in 1967, having been hunted nearly out of existence. Currently there are only 15-20 red wolves living in the wild, calling northeastern North Carolina home. According to the zoo, there are three major issues threatening the future of the species including loss of habitat, hunting, and the mating of red wolves with coyotes.
"To ensure the long-term survival of this incredible species, our red wolf family – excluding Saluda - will be moving to the Akron Zoo late next week," the zoo wrote on social media. "This move is part of AZA’s Red Wolf Species Survival Plan (SSP). Likewise, our beautiful red wolf Saluda will be joined by a new mate later next month."
Roger Williams Park Zoo says their wolves are crucial to teaching the zoo's visitors about the endangered species and raise awareness to the ongoing climate destruction happening across the earth. Right now the zoo is home to a trio of red wolves; female Brave and male Diego, along with their pup Saluda. The zoo says while the pack is a close family unit, the young wolves leave the pack after one to three years old in the wild, and do not expect there to be any issues separating the pup from her parents.
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