'It's a win': BioPark brings in first wolves to new facility

The ABQ BioPark recently welcomed nine Mexican gray wolves to a new conservation facility that is dedicated to the breeding, rehabilitation and care of the endangered species.

The 4.5-acre facility, which is operated in partnership with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, was completed in November.

It is not open to the public, however.

"It is important that any wolves here remain as far from humans as possible," a BioPark video on the facility explains to viewers. "Even our own animal care staff will have very limited contact with these animals to help ensure their successful reintroduction into the wild."

On Dec. 19, the BioPark brought the wolves into the facility, which can house up to 20 of the animals, a news release states. The Mexican wolf, a rare member of the gray wolf family, has been listed as an endangered species since 1976.

"(The) move-in marks one of the most significant steps yet in the BioPark's role in Mexican gray wolf recovery," according to the release. "What was once only a vision on paper, a dedicated space where wolves can heal, grow and prepare for life in the wild, is now a fully functioning part of the recovery effort."

The facility cost about $4 million and was mostly funded through a city gross receipts tax approved by voters in 2016. Game and Fish contributed the remaining $400,000, "which really helped us get this started," BioPark Zoo Associate Director Lynn Tupa said in an interview.

Discussions about the facility started about two and a half years ago, she said.

"Once we realized we had the space on the aquarium side, it was just a matter of making sure we had the funding ... and once the director gave us the go we started really designing and figuring out the layout and going through construction," Tupa said.

The facility includes multiple native vegetation habitats that can accommodate several breeding pairs. Tupa said there will be five pens, including four that can be divided up.

"It's a win for the wild wolves and it's a win for us because we have been successful in helping that wolf recover and go back with (their) group," she said.

The new wolves are part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Mexican Wolf Saving Animals from Extinction (SAVE) and Fish and Wildlife's Mexican Wolf Recovery programs, "which together coordinate care, breeding and prerelease efforts across partner facilities in the United States and Mexico in support of recovery in the wild," according to the BioPark.

"By working hand-in-hand with federal, state and local partners," according to the news release, "the BioPark is helping ensure that each wolf in its care brings us closer to a thriving wild population and that the howl of the Mexican gray wolf continues to be part of the Southwest for generations to come."

Over the years, the BioPark has provided veterinary care to more than 40 wolves that were injured or needed care, welcomed 79 Mexican wolf pups born at BioPark and participated in coordinated breeding and release efforts, according to BioPark.

"They're a keystone species, especially here in New Mexico and Arizona and down in Mexico," Tupa said. "They keep the deer and the elk numbers kind of controlled. They're really important to the ecosystem. They're (also) just so iconic, especially in New Mexico. ... To actually be able to help a species that is found here in New Mexico is very uplifting for us and the staff."

Gregory R.C. Hasman is a general assignment reporter and the Road Warrior. He can be reached at ghasman@abqjournal.com or 505-823-3820.