May 13, 2025

Howl about that — we’ve got pups! For the second year in a row, the Museum of Life and Science has welcomed a litter of critically endangered Red Wolf pups.

On Saturday, May 3, seven-year-old female Martha (F2242) gave birth to three pups. Their arrival is an important landmark in species conservation efforts, and a beacon of hope for the state of Red Wolves.

After giving the new family space to adjust, the Museum’s Animal Care Team and veterinary staff were able to conduct the now 10-day-old pups’ first medical assessments today, Tuesday, May 13.

The physical examination included measurements of both weight and heart-rate, and all pups are in good health. The team also confirmed that all three pups are male.

This litter marks Martha and her mate Oka’s first litter together at the Museum. Oka (M2048) has sired multiple litters with other mates at other institutions. Martha, born in 2018, and Oka, born in 2014, were first paired in 2023 at the Wolf Conservation Center in New York. The pair was transferred to the Museum of Life and Science in October 2024 on recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Red Wolf Saving Animals from Extinction (SAFE) initiative.

“Institutions within the Red Wolf SAFE program, like ours, hold a significant responsibility especially as we face challenges with the wild population,” Senior Director of Animal Care Sherry Samuels said. “Each pup born is crucial for the species’ survival and offers hope for the broader Red Wolf population. This is an exciting time for the species and the Museum.”

Once thriving as a top predator across the southeastern United States, the Red Wolf (Canis rufus) now has fewer than 300 individuals under human care and in the wild combined. There are 50 Red Wolf SAFE partner facilities, 22 of which are institutions accredited by the AZA and all are dedicated to protecting and increasing the American Red Wolf population.

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!