Below is an excerpt from a report on recent findings in wolf paleontology. This extinct species of wolf sounds a lot more vicous than the red wolves we have the museum! To read more about the research follow the links at the bottom of the post. A fearsome über-wolf that once roamed the snowy plains of Alaska may hold warning for the fate of large carnivores today, its discoverers say. The creature’s massive jaws and powerful hulking frame made theRead more
Posts tagged: #red wolf
Red Wolf #1389 update
It’s been quite a few weeks for #1389 and the Keepers who care for him. You can read about him and see a photo of our veterinarian “working on his leg” in an earlier post. After his physical in November, this wolf stopped putting weight on his back right leg. Radiographs (x-rays) were taken. Surgeons at the NCSU Vet School reviewed the information and determined that this wolf has a torn ligament, some other damage, and arthritis to boot. WeRead more
Creature Feature: Red Wolf #1390
We currently have three Red Wolf brothers that are 2 years old, but arrived at the museum when they were only 7 months. We have spoken about our two other Red Wolves in previous posts, but Red Wolf #1390 is the one featured here. Red Wolf #1390 is the alpha of the three brothers (which means he is the highest-ranking wolf and is dominant over the others), probably due in part to him being the healthiest. He is not asRead more
Red Wolf Physicals
Wolf physicals are over for the year, and we learned a few things. First, our wolves’ teeth are in good shape. This is not a huge surprise since our wolves are less than three years old. On the right, you can see Dr. Staab-Carter is checking out #1390s teeth- he had a bit of tarter that was quickly scrapped off. (Keeper Marilyn is helping hold the wolf). Second, the wolf with PRA is not #1389, but actually #1391. It isRead more
Red Wolf Physicals today
Today’s the day for the red wolf physicals. It’s 5:00 AM and I am out the door to head to work to continue to prepare. As much as possible has been done in advance to make it easier: carriers have been weighed, last year’s records pulled up, exam room set, and much more. I’m looking forward to our vet getting a look at the wolf with PRA and also getting blood from his brothers to see if they are carriersRead more
Wolf Eye Update
The Keepers have been watching red wolf #1391 very closely. He behaves normally and is in great body condition, but his eyes have seemed cloudy. Dr. English, an eye specialist, looked at the wolf recently and diagnosed him with progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). PRA is a genetic disease and is inherited when both parents are at least carriers of the PRA gene and is a common disease in canines. #1391 is almost completely blind at this point and he willRead more