Wolf cubs at play at Camperdown
The Centre in Dundee unexpectedly witnessed the arrival of two rare European Wolf cubs four weeks ago after their parents successfully mated just two months after arriving at the zoo.
The adult wolves were known to have already settled in well in their new surroundings although even staff have been surprised that they have successfully begun breeding so quickly. It was hoped they would contribute to the European breeding programme although the earliest this was expected to be was next year. The mother, Aurora, was born at the Highland Wildlife Park in 2013 and the male, Loki, born in 2012 in the Netherlands. The new additions are expected to be very popular with locals and tourists alike.
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Hide AdKellie Ross, the keeper who looks after the wolves, said: “We have set up cameras with motion sensors and I was down changing the memory card. I was lucky enough to be there at the same time the cubs were out playing. I feel really privileged that the parents trusted us enough to let the siblings stay out of the den at this early stage while I was close by. It is lovely to see them playing like normal puppies. It really is something special.”
Bradly Yule, network manager at Camperdown, added: “We are very excited to see our European wolves with cubs, this is an important event in the role of our zoo and these pups will enhance the population. They will also serve as ambassadors to help reduce the pressure on wild environments where these wolves come from. The first time parents have taken to parenthood extremely well and have adopted comfortable roles in upbringing their cubs.
“Our male, Loki, has been feeding and sharing food with female, Aurora, who has been carefully rearing her young.”
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