Masuk Free Press

Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo recently announced the arrival of Ranger, an American red wolf. Red wolves are one of the most endangered species in North America, even disappearing from the wild in 1980s as a result of hunting and habitat loss. They were reintroduced back into North Carolina in 1987 through the release of captive wolves living in zoos, and their current population is estimated to be at around 20-30 in the wild, and 290 in captivity. Their status as critically endangered means they are a part of the Saving Animals from Extinction (SAFE) and Species Survival Plan (SSP) programs. These are two initiatives within the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), a non-profit that holds zoos to the highest standard. The mission of the AZA is to bring back endangered animals through breed and release operations. Currently, Beardsley is the only zoo in Connecticut to be AZA accredited. It holds many  SAFE animals, including the American bison, Mexican grey wolf and Red Panda, in addition to the red wolf. 

Ranger was relocated by the AZA, in order to promote the welfare and create diversity of his species. He is currently in on loan, which means he is a temporary addition to the Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo family, and can be sent back or relocated to other zoos soon depending on what the AZA wants.

“Ranger came to us from the National Zoo and is three years old,” said Deszani Flemmings, Connecticut’s Conservation Discovery Corp Program Coordinator.  

The arrival of a new red wolf at a zoo like Beardsley could be huge in helping to educate the public on endangered animals, which many Americans lack knowledge about.. 

In a recent study done by the AZA, where 1,000 Americans were interviewed, it was found that “none knew the correct number of species protected under the Endangered Species Act.” Most respondents guessed a number closer to 100 animals when the actual number of endangered animals on the list is 1,459. Zoos, like Beardsley, want to overcome this ignorance. 

One of the main goals of the AZA’s  is to “support and educate the public”. Zoos have always been a helpful tool in exposing people to new and unique animals, and their behaviors. Before Ranger’s arrival, Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo only had one red wolf, Taylor. Ranger “is meant to be a companion to Taylor who is past her pup-bearing years,” said Flemmings. With the two wolves, guests can now learn about the behavior and interactions between two wolves in captivity. Wolves also have different unique personalities similar to humans, so having two wolves will be beneficial when it comes to educating the public. The differing genders can also lead to new information on the roles of male and female wolves within captivity. 

Wolves have always been important within Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo. Both the Mexican grey wolves and the American red wolves ( two species within the Beardsley Zoo) are SAFE animals. They have their air-conditioned lookout point (called the Wolf Den), which makes them popular animals to visit. Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo even has connections with Yellowstone National Park’s Wolf Project, with a group of volunteers going to observe wolves on an eco-expedition for the past two years.  

The addition of Ranger has caused excitement among Masuk students. 

“I haven’t been to the zoo since I was little,” said sophomore Giovanna Headley. “But the arrival of a new animal would make me want to go back.” 

Junior Allison Benedetto shared a similar sentiment, “It’s been years since I’ve been to the zoo. I don’t even know what it looks like anymore, but I would probably go back to see the new red wolf.”

So if you’re looking for something to do, head to Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo located on 1875 Noble Ave. in Bridgeport CT, to educate yourself more about the species that nearly ceased to exist.