ASHEBORO, N.C. – A critically endangered red wolf pup has been born at the North Carolina Zoo. After a 61-63 day gestation period, the pup was born on May 3 in an off-exhibit propagation area.

Although unusual but not unheard of, the male was the lone pup in his litter. Normally, litters range from 3 – 5 pups. The new pup is in excellent health. 

This is the sixth litter of red wolves born at the North Carolina Zoo but the first since 2010. The pup will stay with his mom for about one year before it is likely separated to start a family group of his own. The Zoo currently houses 12 red wolves. The pup was born in an area that is kept quiet and away from public viewing to increase his chances of survival. 

North Carolina is the only state in the country where red wolves are found in the wild.  Red wolves are the only wild canid that is solely found in the United Sates.  They have a life expectancy of 14 – 15 years. 

About the North Carolina Zoo

The North Carolina Zoo provides an experience like no other zoo anywhere. With five miles of exhibits, nearly 2,000 animals and 52,000 plants it is the largest natural habitat zoo in the world and an international leader in wildlife conservation.

Find yourself surrounded by some of Africa’s giants including elephants, rhinos, and giraffes; share the love of gorillas with Mosuba and his six-member troop; welcome polar bear Nikita as he joins Anana in polar plunges every day at their Rocky Coast Exhibit; or join in the fun at the mud café in the Kidzone.

Located in center of the state in Asheboro, it is convenient to visit from anywhere in North Carolina. The North Carolina Zoo welcomes nearly 750,000 guests each year. Plan your adventure at www.nczoo.org.

About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources

The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (NCDNCR) is the state agency with a vision to be the leader in using the state’s natural and cultural resources to build the social, cultural, educational and economic future of North Carolina. Led by Secretary Susan Kluttz, NCDNCR's mission is to improve the quality of life in our state by creating opportunities to experience excellence in the arts, history, libraries and nature in North Carolina by stimulating learning, inspiring creativity, preserving the state’s history, conserving the state’s natural heritage, encouraging recreation and cultural tourism, and promoting economic development.

 

NCDNCR includes 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, two science museums, three aquariums and Jennette’s Pier, 39 state parks and recreation areas, the N.C.  Zoo, the nation's first state-supported Symphony Orchestra, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, State Preservation Office and the Office of State Archaeology, along with the Division of Land and Water Stewardship. For more information, please call (919) 807-7300 or visit www.ncdcr.gov.

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