Zoo opens improved red wolf habitat

The endangered American Red Wolves have received an upgraded habitat at the Great Plains Zoo.

The improvement project recently wrapped up and now offers two large yards for the wolves, as well as new viewing panels to increase separation between visitors and the animals, plus exterior fencing and upgrades in the habitat’s building.

The original exhibit was built in 1994.

“This new exhibit gives the wolves more space, as well as more privacy. American Red Wolves are a shy species, and they are most comfortable when they are not out in the open,” said Denise DePaolo, public relations and marketing director.

“While the two viewing windows will give guests the best views ever of our wolves, they also restrict the viewing area to a central location. Even though these wolves are growing up in human care, we want them habituated to humans as little as possible, as some of their descendants could be candidates for release. The fencing along the habitat’s perimeter was built high and solid to provide this extra privacy.”

Seven wolves call the zoo’s campus home, including the breeding pair Camellia and Uyosi, along with five of their six pups that were born in 2023.

“One female already left on a breeding recommendation through the American Red Wolf Species Survival Plan and lives at a partner zoo,” DePaolo said.

“Our team has deep expertise from many years of working with American Red Wolves. It is an honor for us to have them in Sioux Falls. With only a couple dozen American Red Wolves in the wild and around 250 in human care, each wolf is crucial to the survival of this species.”

Other improvement projects for the season include a walkover path at the children’s farm that replaces an old bridge.

“The goats love it,” DePaolo said. “There is usually at least one goat lounging on – or under – the bridge.”

The coming season will bring major projects, including the new butterfly garden, which started construction this fall.

“Our members who visit frequently have been keeping an eye on the progress since it’s happening right in our entrance plaza,” DePaolo said. “It will be very special to see it take shape.”

Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium breaks ground on butterfly garden