The Rosamond Gifford Zoo is pleased to announce the addition of three new grey wolves, Romulus, Remus and Sylvia. The sibling group, consisting of two brothers and a sister, was born on April 22, 2012. After the standard quarantine period, the wolf pack is ready to greet the public.
“We’re happy to once again have grey wolves on exhibit,” said Ted Fox, director of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo. “There are many people who have an appreciation for wolves and this young trio is a wonderful addition to the zoo.”
October is Wolf Awareness Month and, as such, the zoo is hosting a Wolf Awareness Weekend October 13 and 14 to welcome the new canines. Education volunteers will be on hand with wolf-themed animal artifacts and activities.
Grey wolves have a long history of association with humans and have been hunted in most agricultural communities due to its attacks on livestock. Persecution by humans and destruction of habitat are prime reasons for the near eradication of the species from the lower 48 states. Today, the wolf is making a successful comeback in some of its former habitat due to strong conservation efforts.
*Grey wolves are the largest of approximately 41 species of wild canids.
*Grey wolves are widely recognized to be the ancestor of all domestic dog breeds.
*Grey wolves are highly social and live in groups called packs. There is a strong hierarchy within the pack. The alpha male is dominant over all males, the alpha female over all females.
*Historically, grey wolves have the largest range of any land mammal, other than people. They have lived in all habitats in the *Northern Hemisphere except for tropical forest.
*Adult grey wolves have 42 teeth, compared to 32 teeth for adult humans. Their paws are as big as those of much larger dogs.