May 28, 2026

As you likely know by now, the Museum of Life and Science has welcomed a litter of critically endangered Red Wolf pups for the third year in a row.

If this is news to you, no worries! Here’s a summary events:

On Tuesday, May 5, seven-year-old female Carolina (F2293) gave birth to five pups, three males and two females. Their arrival is an important landmark in species conservation efforts, and a beacon of hope for the state of Red Wolves. Now you’re caught up!

After giving the new family space to adjust, the Museum’s Animal Care Team and veterinary staff were able to conduct pups’ first medical assessments a week following their birth.

The physical examination included measurements of both weight and heart rate, and all pups are in good health. This check, however, was colored with nostalgia. Seven years ago, in this very same habitat, our Animal Care Team carried out another pup check for a litter of six Red Wolves — one of whom was Carolina.

If you look closely, you can see some of that distinctive chest marking on her today.

So let’s take a look at how this most recent check went:

This litter marks Carolina and her mate Jacques’ (2152M) first together. Previously, Carolina and Jacques were first paired in late 2024 at the Wolf Conservation Center in New York. The pair was transferred to the Museum of Life and Science in November 2025 on recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Red Wolf Saving Animals from Extinction (SAFE) initiative.

For now, Explore the Wild: Red Wolves will remain closed to allow the wolves the chance to adapt to this new phase of life in peace and quiet. Recommendations for the family’s future will be made at this summer’s Red Wolf SAFE planning meeting.

Looking for a way to make a difference? Support the Museum and our efforts toward Red Wolf conservation by donating to the Annual Fund today!