August 19, 2025

Deep in the canid days of summer, it’s time for a pup check recap. But first … Please help us officially welcome:

• Ember (2656M)
• Proton (2657M)
• Scuppernong (2658M)

We’re thankful for the support of all who participated in our Red Wolf naming raffle. The raffle winners thoughtfully chose names that pay homage to the natural world, molecular science, and North Carolina’s native flora.

Let’s get into it, shall we?

Catch-up, the process by which we safely and (ideally) quickly round up the pups for examination, gets a little more challenging as the pups grow. Long gone are the days when three Red Wolf brothers could be plucked from the den, but the team accounts for this and works efficiently to maneuver the wolves into their crates for transport.

This time — with both parents choosing to shelter in the dens — two pups found a hiding spot inside one of the big hollow logs, while the third opted for cover in a cliffside pit full of poison ivy. All’s well that ends well and eventually all three pups (and all helpful humans) were rounded up and moved to the medical setup in the side enclosure.

As is the case with every check-up, it began with weight measurement. The pups are growing well, combining for a total weight gain of 10.15 kg (22.33 lbs), or more than three kilograms per pup!

One at a time, the pups go through the regular motions of a veterinary examination.

First, identification. The pups’ microchips are scanned to ensure they’re functioning and to help staff take accurate notes.

Next up, it’s vaccines, dewormer. Vaccines are administered via needle, but dewormer (banana flavored!) is given orally.

Then, the first round of flea/tick prevention. Turns out disguising medication inside tasty peanut butter works for all kinds of canids, wild or domesticated.

Physical and internal checks come after, with Dr. Tara Harrison paying special attention to old wounds that were sustained through normal Red Wolf pup wear and tear. Don’t worry, everyone is healed/healing nicely!

With everyone healthy and developing as hoped, the team calls the day a success and poses for one more photo, as is tradition.

Just look at the difference between this photo at 11 weeks old…

… and this one at just one week old!

That’ll do it for this look into the wolf yard but check back again soon for additional updates.

If you’d like to make a difference for this Red Wolf family, and future generations of Red Wolves here at the Museum, please consider a tax-deductible contribution to our Annual Fund.