Wolf subspecies in U.S. zoos

[elefante]

i know the AZA has a focus on breeding Mexican gray wolves, but I have seen other wolves in zoos that are not of that subspecies. Is there a focus on breeding other subspecies of wolves or are any non-Mexican wolves treated as a sort of generic? Are there rescue wolves in U.S. zoos? Meaning wolves that have been orphaned or otherwise unreleasable?

 

[Coelacanth18]

Mexican gray wolf is the only subspecies that is purposefully bred in the AZA. My guess would be that most or all wolves who are not of that subspecies are rescue wolves of one sort or another.

 

[Arizona Docent]

There are a lot of generic/hybrid wolves in non AZA zoos (Out of Africa in my state comes to mind). There may be a few purebred timber wolves that were rescues, but I think most non Mexican wolves in the USA are generic.

 

[Ituri]

No, yes, yes, and yes.

Given the state of North American wolf taxonomy I wouldn't expect any sort of organized program for any other subspecies at any point.

 

[Arizona Docent]

Ituri's comment reminds me of the taxonomically controversial red wolf, which some zoos do maintain a breeding program for.