October 26, 2023

The Museum of Life and Science announced today the arrival of male red wolf Adeyha (M2080) in a direct swap for male red wolf Niko (M2164) with the Niabi Zoo in Coal Valley, Illinois. Female red wolf Oak (F2304) remains with the Museum.

As part of a national coalition of zoos and nature centers dedicated to red wolf survival, there is often the need to move red wolves to offer the best chance for reproduction that will help the recovery of the species. Niko and Oak were previously paired for breeding for two years without a successful pregnancy. The hope is that both Niko and Oak will be successful with new partners.

“Bringing Adeyha to the Museum is a significant milestone in our continued commitment to red wolf conservation,” Senior Director of Animal Care Sherry Samuels said. “Adeyha’s arrival represents another step that the Museum is taking in preserving this majestic species and providing our visitors with a unique opportunity to connect with one of the world’s most endangered species.”

Adeyha (uh-DAY-yuh) was born on May 22, 2014, at NEW Zoo in Green Bay, Wisconsin, into a litter of six pups. He was relocated to Niabi Zoo on October 28, 2015.

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Red Wolf SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) program supports conservation efforts for this species by maintaining a healthy and viable population of red wolves under human care, growing education and awareness efforts, and aiding in critical research.

Red wolves were once common in North Carolina, but only roughly 300 individuals now survive worldwide, with fewer than 20 red wolves remaining in the wild. Since 1992, the Museum has been home to 52 red wolves and welcomed more than 25 pups born on our campus. Each new pup born as a result of these conservation efforts is valuable for the survival of the species and represents hope for the red wolf population overall.

“The survival of the red wolf is not merely a conservation endeavor,” Samuels said. “It serves as a testament to our role as stewards, highlighting our responsibility to safeguard the beauty and diversity of our natural world for the well-being of future generations.”

For more on the Museum’s history with red wolves, please click here.