Mexican Gray Wolf Conservation

Since 1998, Zoo New England has been committed to re-introducing Mexican gray wolves into the wilds of the American Southwest, where they once lived in large numbers. Stone Zoo is one of about 51 facilities across the country and in Mexico participating in the Mexican Wolf Survival Plan (SSP). We've overseen births of these rare animals at Stone Zoo and collaborated closely with other facilities to transfer and receive wolves on their journey to being re-introduced to the wild.

Zoo New England participates in the SAFE Mexican Wolf initiative, a cross-border recovery program aimed at fostering collaboration with local communities in the recovery regions of Mexico and the United States. Through partnerships with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, AZA-accredited institutions, and other stakeholders, SAFE Mexican Wolf actively promotes conservation endeavors for the preservation of this species.

We recently launched an exciting new initiative in collaboration with Fundación Tonkawa and other partners to support field research of wolves in Mexico using remote cameras. The data collected as part of a three-year project will be used to develop educational content and incentive-based programs designed to encourage coexistence efforts from local landowners and ranchers. The USFWS Mexican Wolf Recovery Plan aims to establish a self-sustaining population of 100 Mexican wolves in Mexico. This data will help scientists understand population dynamics and distribution while fueling critical conservation efforts. 
 
We are seeking additional partners and funders for this effort. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact shoogenboom@zoonewengland.org. 

The Mexican gray wolf (Canis lupus baileyi), also known as “el lobo” in Spanish, was once common throughout western Texas, southern New Mexico, central Arizona and northern Mexico. But by the mid-1900s they were eliminated from the wild in the U.S., victims of eradication efforts to prevent them from preying on livestock. They survived here only in small captive populations, and in Mexico their population also dwindled dramatically.

Great strides have been made to grow the Mexican gray wolf population and reintroduce them into the wild. In 1976, they were listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. The Mexican wolf recovery team was formed and a conservation and survival plan was established in 1979. 

Back from the brink...slowly

Nearly extinct by the mid-1900s, the wild Mexican gray wolf population is slowly coming back from the brink of extinction. Recent counts by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service documented more than 300 wild Mexican wolves, an encouraging milestone that reflects decades of conservation work and offers hope for the future of this iconic species.

Institutions currently participating in the SSP (including Stone Zoo) house approximately 350 wolves. The SSP’s goal is to maintain at least 240 animals in captivity at all times to ensure the security of the species, while still being able to breed animals for reintroduction.

Over half of the wild Mexican wolf population is now monitored through radio collars using satellite technology to record their location. Wildlife biologists use this information to gain timely information about wolf behavior in the wild and assist with management of the wild population. 

While this growth is encouraging, re-establishing the Mexican gray wolf population continues to be a slow and complex process, and Zoo New England is unwavering in its commitment to their conservation.

➤ Visit Stone Zoo to learn more about wolves and support our conservation efforts.