(WWJ) A Royal Oak resident who lost his mate is a lone wolf no more.
The Detroit Zoo announced Monday it has welcomed a 3-year-old female gray wolf to the Cotton Family Wolf Wilderness, bringing hope for pups in the future.
Renner arrived in September from the Wildlife Science Center in Stacy, Minn., where she was born, to join 9-year-old male gray wolf Kaskapahtew, aka "Kaska," who's lived at the Zoo since 2015.
Kaska had been on his own in the sprawling habitat since his former companion Waziyata died in June during surgery to remove a tumor.
"We are pleased to welcome Renner to her new home and happy for Kaska to once again have a companion," said Scott Carter, chief life sciences officer for the Detroit Zoological Society (DZS). "The two are getting along well, and we are optimistic they'll start a family in the coming year. Family is a critical part of the fabric of wolf society and is important to their well-being."
Breeding season for gray wolves is late winter. After a two-month gestation, four to six pups are born.
"The Detroit Zoo is renowned for its animal care and welfare practices and has a beautiful and spacious habitat for wolves. We were delighted to respond to the request for help in finding a suitable companion for Kaska," said Peggy Callahan, founder and executive director of the Wildlife Science Center, a nonprofit education and research facility with expertise in the care of wolves.
The public can visit Kaska and Renner at the Cotton Family Wolf Wilderness, a 2-acre $1.4 million naturalistic habitat in the southwest corner of the Zoo featuring grassy hills and meadows, native Michigan trees, a flowing stream and pond, dens and elevated rock outcroppings.
Zoo visitors are able to see the animals from many vantage points around the habitat – including from the historic Log Cabin, which features an observation area with expansive glass viewing windows that allow people to get nose to snout with the wolves.
The DZS will kick off National Wolf Awareness Week with a special celebration at the Cotton Family Wolf Wilderness on Sunday, October 20. Through zookeeper talks and hands-on activities, guests can learn fun facts about Kaska and Renner and discover what the DZS is doing to protect and conserve wolves and their wild habitats.
The DZS has joined forces with other animal welfare and conservation groups and Native American tribes to oppose the designation of wolves as a game species in Michigan.
"The DZS is working to ensure the protection of wolves in Michigan," Carter said. "Wolves are an essential part of healthy ecosystems and are important in our state and other parts of the Great Lakes basin."
For Zoo hours, prices, directions and other information, call 248-541-5717 or visit detroitzoo.org.
