How The Sioux Falls Zoo Improved Life For Red Wolves

The Red Wolves at the Sioux Falls Great Plains Zoo just got a serious home makeover. Unlike most renovation shows, this one didn’t involve anyone arguing over whether to install backsplash tile.

The zoo recently completed a major upgrade to the habitat of its endangered American Red Wolves. According to Pigeon 605, the revamped area now features two spacious yards for the wolves to roam, plus new viewing panels that put a little more distance between curious visitors and the shy, four-legged residents. The habitat building itself also received improvements, along with sturdier fencing around the entire enclosure.

The update was long overdue, given that the original exhibit dated back to 1994.

Get our free mobile app

“This new exhibit gives the wolves more space, as well as more privacy,” said Denise DePaolo, the zoo’s public relations and marketing director, in her interview with Pigeon 605. “American Red Wolves are a shy species, and they are most comfortable when they are not out in the open.” Which kinda makes them the introverts of the canine world.

Guests can now spot the wolves through two viewing windows in the exhibit, just enough visibility for a good look, without overwhelming the animals with too much human gawking.

Seven Red Wolves currently call the Great Plains Zoo home:

Parents Camellia and Uyosi, plus five pups born in 2023. A sixth pup, a young female, was recently moved to a partner zoo as part of the American Red Wolf Species Survival Plan.

Only a couple of dozen American Red Wolves remain in the wild, with about 250 more in human care. Every successful habitat, pup, and conservation effort plays a vital role in preventing this species from disappearing.

If you’d like to see the newly upgraded American Red Wolves digs and check out the rest of the zoo’s crew, the Great Plains Zoo is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM.

South Dakota's Weird Exotic Animal Laws Are Amazing

Have an interesting pet or looking to get one? Check this out from South Dakota Exotic Animal Laws before you go trying to adopt one.

You will need a zoo permit to harbor a raccoon dog. That's a real species. It's a small wild dog with a black facial mask and long fur, native to the forests of Asia.

Gallery Credit: Danny V