2 Maned Wolves Have New Home At San Diego Zoo

SAN DIEGO, CA — Two maned wolves have a new home at the San Diego Zoo.

The zoo recently welcomed 8-year-old Cora and 9-year-old Rio, who both came from Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredited zoos. They were recommended to join the San Diego Zoo as part of the Species Survival Plan Program, according to San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, a nonprofit conservation organization that operates the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park.

Maned wolves, the largest canid in South America, have a dense reddish coat, large, pointed ears and long, thin legs. Cora and Rio, who live in Northern Frontier next to the zoo's 4D Theater, have been bonding well and exploring their indoor and outdoor spaces, according to zoo officials.

Maned wolves are currently classified as near threatened. The native habitats of maned wolves in Brazil have been subject to intense deforestation, mainly as a result of the agriculture industry and conversion to pasturelands. Due to deforestation, the population of maned wolves have been reduced by an estimated 20%.