Care for Wildlife at the Virginia Living Museum

Red wolves are one of the most endangered species of wolves in the world. At one point, they were considered extinct in the wild, but thanks to conservation efforts, they have been reintroduced into the wild in limited areas.

The Virginia Living Museum cares for a pair of red wolves named Katniss and Hyde through participation in the Red Wolf S.A.F.E (Saving Animals From Extinction) program. Through S.A.F.E., the Museum works with other accredited institutions across the country to care for red wolves involved in a conservation breeding program.

Katniss, an 11-year-old female, has been at the Museum since 2020 and is an active and curious wolf despite being considered geriatric for her species. Along with her mate, Hyde, visitors may hear her howling along to fire truck sirens as they pass by the Museum!

Beyond meeting basic needs for food, shelter, and medical care, enrichment allows the animals to demonstrate their species-typical behavior and exercise ‘choice and control’ over their environment. Enrichment is key to enhancing their mental and physical well-being. By creating complex environments, activities and challenges, and providing stimulating enrichment items, animal care staff encourage natural behaviors in our animals.

As part of their enrichment, the Museum's red wolves recently received deer legs donated by a local hunter, and Hyde couldn't hide his excitement! Whole-body prey and bone-in food items are important for our carnivores. These foods stimulate natural hunting behaviors, contribute to good tooth health, and provide them with essential nutrients that are not found in deboned meat alone.

Your support contributes to our animals' welfare and well-being -- food, shelter, veterinary care, and an individualized enrichment program for each animal, including Hyde and Katniss.

Thank you for your generosity!

Links:

• Virginia Living Museum
• https://www.facebook.com/VirginiaLivingMuseum