Two maned wolves, 8-year-old Cora and 9-year-old Rio, recently joined the San Diego Zoo.
The largest canid in South America, maned wolves have a distinct appearance, with long, thin legs; large, pointed ears; and a dense reddish coat.
Cora and Rio, who both came from Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredited zoos, were recommended to join the San Diego Zoo as part of the Species Survival Plan Program.
Currently, maned wolves are classified as near threatened. The native habitats of maned wolves in Brazil have been subject to intense deforestation, mainly as a result of the agriculture industry and conversion to pasturelands, according to the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. Due to this deforestation, there has been an estimated 20% population reduction among maned wolves.
