On December 17, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo announced the arrival of two critically endangered American red wolves, brothers Jenkins and Walker, both 2.5 years old.

As a partner in the AZA SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction American Red Wolf Program, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is committed to helping preserve and save one of the world’s rarest canid species.

Fewer than 20 red wolves remain in the wild today. To prevent extinction, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service created a captive breeding program in 1973. Today, just over 200 red wolves live under human care in accredited zoos and wildlife centers across the country.

The SAFE American Red Wolf Program continues this vital work by researching, breeding and preparing red wolves for release back into their native habitats.

Red wolves play a crucial role in maintaining healthy ecosystems by naturally balancing populations of deer, raccoons, rodents and other species. Protecting them helps protect entire landscapes.

“The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is excited to play a contributing role in the conservation of the critically endangered red wolf,” Joel Hamilton, Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo executive director, said. “This exhibit will be different than our others. Guests may not see these wolves as often as other animals. This species is naturally timid, and it is important that we limit human interaction to allow the wolves to remain as wild as possible.”

Jenkins and Walker’s habitat is designed to mimic their natural environment. The animal care team has special protocols for feeding and caring that limit human contact. By keeping the wolves as wild as possible, it increases their chances of thriving if they are later paired for breeding or released into the wild.

For more information about the Zoo’s conservation initiatives, or to support Walker and Jenkins, visit www.alabamagulfcoastzoo.org.