Lost Idaho wolf pup headed to new home in Virginia

June 20, 2012

A "puppy" picked up by campers in Idaho last month turned out to be a wolf. Since no wolf pack could be found to return it to, the pup is now headed for Busch Gardens in Virginia, which has experience raising wolves in captivity.

By The Spokesman-Review

A lost wolf pup left Boise Wednesday morning on its way to a new home and family in Virginia.
Idaho Fish and Game officials selected Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Va., from a list of potential facilities willing to accept the wolf.

Last month, 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 DNA test proved them right — it is a wild wolf, but no pack was found in the area.
Zoo Boise took care of the pup while a list of facilities accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums that would be suitable for the pup was compiled.

Busch Gardens was chosen for several reasons, officials said. It has had wolves for more than 12 years, and recently received two 6-week-old pups. The National Zoo sends its staffers there to get captive-wolf training.

Busch Gardens also has been active in Mexican wolf recovery, and it sponsors a fund that has contributed more than $10 million worldwide to wildlife conservation.

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