2 Critically-Endangered Red Wolf Pups Born At Roger Williams Park Zoo

PROVIDENCE, RI — For the second year in a row, the Roger Williams Park Zoo has announced the birth of two red wolf pups, the most endangered species in the canid—or dog and dog-like—family.

Born on April 29th, the pups are the offspring of 8-year-old Brave and 7-year-old Diego. The dam and sire were recommended to breed as part of the Red Wolf Species Survival Plan, a cooperative effort among the Association of Zoos and Aquariums institutions to save species, according to the zoo.

"The Red Wolf SAFE program’s goal is to support conservation efforts for this species by maintaining a healthy and viable population of red wolves under human care, growing education and awareness efforts, and aiding research vital to supporting recovery and management," according to the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

Roger Williams Park Zoo zookeepers and the veterinary team are monitoring the mom and baby using an infrared camera located inside the wolves’ birthing den, where they have been staying in the den for the first month as they nurse, the zoo said. Both pups have already opened their eyes!

According to the zoo, the pups and mother took their first steps outside over the weekend, and visitors to the zoo might be able to catch a glimpse of them as they continue to venture outside of the den. Meanwhile, Diego is out and about in the wolves' North American den.

This is the second litter for Brave and Diego. Another pup, named Saluda, was born in May 2022.

As of February 2023, there were approximately 235 red wolves in 49 Red Wolf SAFE facilities across the country, according to the zoo. In the 2021-2022 breeding season, 28 breeding pairs were established and 46 pups in 13 litters were born—of which 29 survived, adding to the SSP population.

The Roger Williams Park Zoo opened in 1872 and is the country’s third-oldest zoo. The zoo is located amid 40 acres of woodlands and sees around 800,000 visitors per year. It is home to more than 160 species of animals including a Komodo dragon, African elephants, zebras, red pandas, Masai giraffes, snow leopards, bears, anteaters, flamingoes, and sloths.

The zoo is also a leader in conservation efforts undertaken by a zoo of its size and has received numerous awards for conservation work done both locally and around the globe.