Three maned wolf pups, born on Christmas Eve at the Denver Zoo, can now be seen by visitors. It’s the first viewing of wolf pups at the zoo in 15 years.
The pups, Cayenne, a female, and Santiago and Diego, both males, are healthy and curious, according to a Denver Zoo media release.
The trio are just beginning from their mom, Itati, to romp outside their hut, the zoo said. The pups’ dad’s name is Tega.
Maned wolf pups are a rare sight in zoos, according to the release. Although it is not known why, these shy animals don’t always care for their young.
“Fortunately, she (Itati) has been a great mom and is taking excellent care of these little guys,” said Beth Jo Schoeberl, curator of carnivores.
Maned wolves live in the South American grasslands and scrub forests of Brazil, northern Argentina, Paraguay, eastern Bolivia and southeastern Peru, the release said. There are an estimated 2200 to 4500 maned wolves in the wild.
Covered with golden-red fur, a grown maned wolf has long legs, standing about three feet tall at the shoulder, which allows it to see better in tall savannah grasses.
The new family can bee seen at the zoo’s Feline Building, just east of the main entrance.
For more information go to the zoo’s website at .
