Pup fostering gives genetic boost to wild Mexican wolves

[Judi Lynn]

By SUSAN MONTOYA BRYAN
an hour ago



In this undated photo provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Mexican gray wolf interagency field team shows Mexican gray wolf pups that are part of a cross-fostering program in which pups born in captivity are placed with packs in the wild in Arizona and New Mexico. (The Interagency Field Team/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service via AP)


ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — It’s a carefully planned mission that involves coordination across state lines — from Mexican gray wolf dens hidden deep in the woods of New Mexico and Arizona to breeding facilities at zoos and special conservation centers around the U.S.

It’s also about timing as wolves in the wild and those in captivity need to be having pups at the same time to ensure a smooth transition.

Pups born within a couple days of each other are the best candidates for a fostering program that aims to get more pups out of captivity and into the wild in hopes of boosting the genetic diversity of the endangered species.

“It’s really a balance of science and astrology — because the stars have to align,” said Maggie Dwire, a biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service team that oversees recovery of Mexican gray wolves in the American Southwest.

More:
https://apnews.com/836862d429374c48b674bef2bb16b129

[mitch96]

1. Curious at what age they introduce the pups to the wild pack?

I've read where the mother will not accept the new pup into the litter. Smells different I guess.
Maybe if introduced very early? Just sneak the little guy in and don't tell anybody..
Shhhhhhhhhh
m

[zeusdogmom]

2. Pups are placed in the dens before their eyes open

The pups from the wild den are removed, blood work, etc., microchipped. The biologists make sure the both the wild born and captive born pups have pee, feces, etc. (from wild born) rubbed in their fur so all pups smell the same. Is Momma really fooled? She is probably watching, but the good news is she can't count so one or two more pups doesn't mess with her head too much. Her maternal instinct is to care for her pups.

We had four Mexican wolf pups born about 6 weeks ago at the local zoo. Keepers were hoping a couple could go into a cross-foster den, but no wild litters were born within the required time range. So we will watch the 4 adorable pups grow up. OMG they are cute. The young first time parents are doing an awesome job.

[SamKnause]

3. Thanks for the interesting info.

I bet they are adorable.

[mopinko]

4. well that's awesome.

[Beringia]

5. What do they do with pups that aren't born at the right time?

[zeusdogmom]

6. They will grow up with their siblings under the care of their mom and dad

The pups will stay with mom and dad until they are ca. 2 years old - helping to raise next year's litter and learning all there is to know about being a wolf. And zoo visitors will get to see these fabulous animals grows and live together in a pack. Our wolves really belong to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. At the appropriate age and time, the new adult wolves will go to other zoos to join or create new wolf packs and the process starts all over again. It is all about increasing the numbers as well as increasing genetic diversity. In some ways the program is rather complicated and requires great dedication on the part of zoo keepers and USWFS personnel but it seems to be working because the number of Mexican wolves in the wild is increasing each year.

[Beringia]

7. Thanks