The maned wolf exhibit has been closed since early December in preparation for the puppies’ birth. Our staff is comforted greatly by the knowledge that his legacy will continue to live on even though he is no longer with us. His involvement in the SSP has assured that his genes would be passed on to future generations (as evident by last year’s successful birth from one of his daughters). Nazca carried the most valuable genetics for both of his recommended pairings. Together, they produced two successful litters, a boy and girl in March of 2016, and the four pups (two males and two females) born in December 2018.īreeding recommendations are made based on the best genetic match-ups to ensure a healthy and sustainable population throughout AZA institutions. He was then recommended to breed with Anaheim, who has been his mate since 2015. He and his first mate, Lana, had three pups in February of 2011. During his time with us, he sired nine beautiful pups through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP). Nazca will be remembered by many of us at the GSC not just as a truly magnificent animal, but also as a fantastic father. A number of factors are evaluated through our welfare process and include questions such as “how much pain do we believe the animal is in?”, “what is their likelihood of recovery?”, and “how progressive is the disease process? Can we even treat it?” Decisions like this are not taken lightly and are vetted through a committee of GSC experts trained in animal welfare. His mate, Anaheim, was given the opportunity to say goodbye and her behavior will be closely monitored in the weeks ahead. Sam Young says Nazca had an advanced lung cancer. Although the results of a necropsy are pending, Veterinarian Dr. Fluid was found in his chest cavity.ĭue to his age, the advanced state of the illness, and his rapidly declining quality of life, the decision was made to humanely euthanize him. An ultrasound-guided aspiration biopsy revealed concerning cells. Crackles, wheezing, and wet sounds were observed when listening to his lungs. In an attempt to identify the cause, he was brought to our on-site animal hospital where our veterinary team performed an exam. Over the weekend, staff observed some swelling in his neck. Nazca was just shy of his 11 th birthday and was considered a senior, as the lifespan of maned wolves in captivity is typically 10 – 14 years of age.įor the last few weeks, Nazca had exhibited a cough that caused our animal care team concern. It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Nazca, our male maned wolf and the father of the four puppies recently born here at the GSC. Be sure to stop by the maned wolf exhibit the next time you visit for a chance to see these playful pups in action! On nicer days, they tend to sleep in their outdoor den boxes, which are heated to stay above 50 degrees – for those cool nights! If it’s especially cold outside, they often opt to sleep inside the blockhouse, where temperatures are heated to a nice, warm 73 degrees.Īs you can see, our maned wolf pups are growing up quickly under the faithful care of our dedicated animal care staff. You may be wondering why the pups are coming inside so late at night to eat! Our maned wolves are given the choice to come and go as they please after hours. Cystinuria can be deadly, so keepers work hard to ensure our animals eat a well-balanced diet! If maned wolves eat too much meat, they can get cystinuria, a condition in which crystals form in their urine. Mixing the meat with fruits and veggies also helps keep their meat intake in check. Mixing everything together ensures they are motivated to eat their veggies! The fruits and veggies are pureed and mixed with the meat because, while meat is their favorite, as omnivores, fruits and veggies are vital to their health. The puppies are eating the same food that their mom eats: 30% ground beef mixed with 70% pureed fruits and veggies, plus supplements. In order to determine whether the pups are eating by themselves or still relying on mom, Anaheim, as their main source of food, Lauren installed night vision cameras in their blockhouse. Keeper Lauren has been providing them with “grown-up” food, but since they’re still shy around people, she hasn’t been able to see them actively eating on their own. At just over three months old, our four maned wolf puppies, Stella, Luna, Betts, and Cieza, are fully weaned.
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