Cheyenne Mountain Zoo adds a wolf to its collection
There’s a new member of the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo family Wednesday night.
And she could be the key to ensuring the future for her species in the west.
Her name is Lighthawk and she’s a Mexican gray wolf.
She’s a bit shy, but with some coaxing she’s proud to show off her colors.
“It’s awesome, they’re beautiful,” said Heather Niemeyer.
She’s part of a vanishing species. So as part of the zoo’s mission, they’re introducing Mexican gray wolves to the exhibit. The goal is to perpetuate the species for generations to come.
So far, it seems to be working as she’s gotten cozy with Leopold, the male wolf that she was brought here to breed with.
“Within an hour or two they were together,” said Kristen Cox, an animal keeper at the zoo.
Handlers are especially grateful for the pair’s good genetics. Because there aren’t a lot of them left.
“They’re actually the most critically endangered sub-species of gray wolf, not only in the United States, but in the world.” said Cox.
After all, these wolves have become endangered because of their general unpopularity, especially among ranchers, who complain about livestock losses.
That was one reason the Parks and Wildlife board voted to oppose a possible federal plan to reintroduce the wolf to the state.
Popular or not, part of the mission is educating visitors on all of the endangered animals here.
And visitors have their favorites at the zoo, whether they’re endangered or not.
“Leopards, we like the leopards, especially when they make crazy noises,” said Niemeyer.
Breeding programs like the one for wolves are there so visitors can see the animals, before they’re gone.
