NEWS RELEASE

Monday, May 20, 2013 

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wolf pup gets a new home and family

The lost wolf pup left Boise Wednesday morning, June 20, on its way to a new home and family in Virginia.

Idaho Fish and Game officials last week selected Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Virginia, a list of potential facilities willing to accept the wolf pup long-term, compiled by officials at Zoo Boise.

Busch Gardens:

1. Has successfully maintained wolves for more than 12 years, and has nine.


2. Recently received two pups, which are now six weeks old.


3. Is part of the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens education and conservation conglomerate, which includes several AZA accredited facilities.


4. Is a sponsor of the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund; a strong financial contributor of more than $10 million to wildlife conservation worldwide. Active in the Mexican Wolf Recovery Project. A list of their sponsors includes Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, and several other reputable conservation organizations.


5. Is where the National Zoo (affiliated with the Smithsonian) sends its staff to receive captive wolf training.

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On May 25, out of town campers picked up what they thought was a lost domestic puppy outside Ketchum and took it to a vet clinic in town. Officials thought the male puppy looked like it might be a wolf.

A recent DNA test proved them right - it is a wild wolf.

Idaho Fish and Game looked for a wolf pack near where the pup was found, hoping to return the lost pup. But they could find no fresh sign of a pack in the area.

Zoo Boise has taken care of the pup while officials compiled a list of facilities accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums that would be suitable for the pup.