ROYAL OAK, Mich. (WXYZ) — The Detroit Zoo has added another wolf, as 3-year-old female gray wolf Renner arrived from the Wildlife Science Center in Stacy, Minn., where she was born.
Renner joins 9-year-old male gray wolf Kaskapahtew, known as Kaska, who has lived at the zoo since 2015. Earlier this year, his mate, Waziyata, died.
“We are pleased to welcome Renner to her new home and happy for Kaska to once again have a companion,” said Scott Carter, chief life sciences officer for the Detroit Zoological Society (DZS). “The two are getting along well, and we are optimistic they’ll start a family in the coming year. Family is a critical part of the fabric of wolf society and is important to their well-being.”
Breeding season for gray wolves is late winter, and after a two-month gestation period, four to six pups are born.
“The Detroit Zoo is renowned for its animal care and welfare practices and has a beautiful and spacious habitat for wolves. We were delighted to respond to the request for help in finding a suitable companion for Kaska,” said Peggy Callahan, founder and executive director of the Wildlife Science Center, a nonprofit education and research facility with expertise in the care of wolves.
The Cotton Family Wolf Wilderness is two acres in size and has grassy hills and meadows, native Michigan trees, a stream and pond, dens and elevated rock outcroppings and more, which allow the wolves to survey their surroundings.
The zoo will kick off National Wolf Awareness Week with a special celebration on Sunday, Oct. 20 with zookeeper talks, hands-on activites and more.
The 2-acre Cotton Family Wolf Wilderness features grassy hills and meadows, native Michigan trees, a flowing stream and pond, dens and elevated rock outcroppings from which the wolves can survey their surroundings. Zoo visitors are able to see the animals from many vantage points around the habitat – including from the historic Log Cabin, which features an observation area with expansive glass viewing windows that allow people to get nose to snout with the wolves.
“The DZS is working to ensure the protection of wolves in Michigan,” Carter said. “Wolves are an essential part of healthy ecosystems and are important in our state and other parts of the Great Lakes basin.”
