By james art DURHAM, N.C. (WNCN) — Two new red wolves were welcomed Monday to the Durham Museum of Life and Science.
Oka (M2048) and Martha (F2242) came from the Wolf Conservation Center in South Salem, New York. The Museum of Life and Science’s former Red Wolf family — Adeyha (M2080), Oak (F2304) and their five cubs, Cedar (M2562), Maple (F2566), Juniper (M2564), Tupelo (F2568) and Sassafras (F2567) — have moved to the Wolf Conservation Center.
It’s part of an exchange called Saving Animals from Extinction (SAFE), an initiative created by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) in partnership with the US Fish and Wildlife Service. The initiative aims to help red wolves, a critically endangered species, survive and keep families together.
“We are excited to welcome Oka and Martha to the museum and continue to educate the public about the importance of red wolf conservation,” said Sherry Samuels, senior director of animal care at the museum. “This exchange is a critical step in conserving red wolves and promoting their long-term survival.”
In a previous report by CBS 17, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said there are only 16 known or collared red wolves left in the wild, with an estimated total of 17 to 19 as of September 2024. In the SAFE program for red wolves, which breeds them in captivity, has 290 animals, including those that are part of the exchange program in the Triangle.