KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — May 8, 2025 — Zoo Knoxville is celebrating a major milestone for red wolf conservation with the birth of six critically endangered red wolf pups, born on Earth Day to parents Buckeye and Cirilla. The pups represent a significant addition to a species considered the most endangered wolf in the world.
The birth took place overnight and into the morning of April 22, marking the first litter for Cirilla at Zoo Knoxville. At just three years old, she was carefully paired with nine-year-old Buckeye as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Red Wolf Species Survival Plan—a coordinated effort to ensure genetic diversity among the small population of red wolves remaining.
“There are only about 20 red wolves known to remain in the wild, and fewer than 300 in managed care,” said Terry Cannon, Curator of Carnivores and Kids Cove at Zoo Knoxville. “Every birth is critical. These pups are part of the future of the species.”
Zoo staff have taken a hands-off approach to allow the wolves to display natural behaviors and parent on their own. The pups were closely monitored during their first week to ensure healthy development and weight gain, but now the animal care team is stepping back to let the parents raise them. Cirilla, who had one previous litter before coming to Zoo Knoxville, has shown strong maternal instincts.
Red wolves (Canis rufus) are a uniquely American species, once native to the southeastern United States. After being declared extinct in the wild in the 1980s due to habitat loss and hunting, they were reintroduced in limited numbers in North Carolina. Despite decades of conservation efforts, red wolves remain critically endangered, facing ongoing threats and confusion with coyotes in the wild.
Zoo Knoxville is proud to play a role in the conservation of this iconic native species. The birth of these pups underscores the zoo’s mission to save animals from extinction and highlights the vital role of accredited zoos in protecting wildlife for future generations.
For updates and to learn more about Zoo Knoxville’s red wolf conservation efforts, visit zooknoxville.org
About Zoo Knoxville
Zoo Knoxville is a nonprofit entity situated on 53 wooded acres just east of downtown Knoxville. Zoo Knoxville features exhibits of wild animals in natural habitats and is world renowned for its efforts in conservation and species survival. Zoo Knoxville is nationally accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is committed to the highest standards in animal care and well-being, ethics, conservation, and education. Knoxville’s largest attraction, the zoo is open every day except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Currently, the zoo is open daily from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Admission and ticket sales stop one-hour before the zoo closes. For more information visit zooknoxville.org.
