Latest news with #TerryCannon
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Watch: Pups of world's most endangered wolf species born at Tennessee zoo
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Six red wolf pups were recently born at Zoo Knoxville, a significant milestone as the species is critically endangered, according to zoo officials. They noted that fewer than 300 red wolves exist in the world, with around 250 of them in managed care and only about 20 left in the wild. "Every birth is critical," said Terry Cannon, Curator of Carnivores and Kids Cove at Zoo Knoxville. "These pups are part of the future of the species." The pups were born to parents 9-year-old Buckeye and 3-year-old Cirilla. Their pairing was coordinated as part of the Red Wolf Species Survival Plan of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to ensure genetic diversity among the small wolf population. Red wolves once roamed through the Eastern and South Central U.S., according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Their population plummeted by the early 20th century due to habitat loss and intensive predator control programs. How To Watch Fox Weather The animals became protected under the Endangered Species Preservation Act in article source: Watch: Pups of world's most endangered wolf species born at Tennessee zoo
Miami Herald
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Six of the ‘world's most endangered' wolves are born at TN zoo. See them snuggle
Six of the 'world's most endangered' wolves were born in Tennessee, bringing renewed hope for their species. An adorable video posted on Facebook shows the red wolf pups snuggling after making their debut at Zoo Knoxville. 'There are only about 20 red wolves known to remain in the wild, and fewer than 300 in managed care,' Terry Cannon, curator of carnivores and Kids Cove at the zoo, said in a May 8 news release. 'Every birth is critical. These pups are part of the future of the species.' The little ones were born to mom Cirilla and dad Buckeye. The two were paired together to try to 'ensure genetic diversity among the small population of red wolves remaining,' according to the wildlife park. Red wolves, which can grow to be about 80 pounds, have been called the most endangered wolf species on Earth. They once lived across parts of the southern and eastern United States but nearly disappeared at one point, according to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. 'After being declared extinct in the wild in the 1980s due to habitat loss and hunting, they were reintroduced in limited numbers in North Carolina,' the zoo wrote. 'Despite decades of conservation efforts, red wolves remain critically endangered, facing ongoing threats and confusion with coyotes in the wild.' As part of the zoo's effort to protect the rare species, it welcomed its litter of pups on Earth Day, April 22. The video shared on social media showed the newborns getting their medical checkups, and some Facebook users said they couldn't get enough of the cuteness. 'The pups were closely monitored during their first week to ensure healthy development and weight gain, but now the animal care team is stepping back to let the parents raise them,' the zoo wrote. 'Cirilla, who had one previous litter before coming to Zoo Knoxville, has shown strong maternal instincts.' As of May 8, zoo visitors aren't yet able to see the babies in person. 'They're currently living in the wolf dens under the care of both mom and dad,' JJ Jones, media manager for the zoo, told McClatchy News via email. 'They're still quite small and have just started to open their eyes, so they're not visible to the public at this time. We have six pups in total — three boys and three girls. They have not been named yet, and it's still too early to share any insight into their individual personalities.'
