Newly orphaned maned wolf pup finds comfort in adopted shelter dog.Photo:Sedgwick County Zoo

Newly orphaned maned wolf pup finds comfort in adopted shelter dog

Sedgwick County Zoo

A recently orphaned maned wolf pup found a much-needed friend at the Sedgwick County Zoo.

The Kansas-based zoo shared Amora’s story in aFacebook updateon Tuesday, Feb. 4, in which they explained that her mother, Layla, “unexpectedly passed away” recently “despite expert care.”

Although maned wolves are naturally solitary, the zoo said young pups need “companionship” to develop properly, making raising Amora more challenging.

“Without a mother or sibling, it is challenging for her to learn the natural behaviors she will need to thrive as a maned wolf,” the zoo said.

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Newly orphaned maned wolf pup Amora.Sedgwick County Zoo

Newly orphaned maned wolf pup finds comfort in adopted shelter dog

The end result was Slinky, a brindle mix, who had been feeling “sad and alone” after his sister was adopted, the Kansas Humane Society said in astatement.

The organization said they instantly knew “this would be the perfect pairing” and found that the Sedgwick County Zoo also had an “immediate linking” to Slinky. After the zoo adopted him, they started a quarantine to prevent the spreading of diseases.

“They have since been carefully introduced, and while Amora has quite the spicy personality, Slinky’s playful nature is helping her grow into the wolf she is meant to be,” said the Sedgwick County Zoo in its update.

Kansas Zoo.Sedgwick County Zoo

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The zoo said that, as per the SSP (Species Survival Plan), Amora will eventually transition to living with other maned wolves, “carrying on the legacy of her species.”

According to theAssociation of Zoos and Aquariums, SSPs are developed to “manage a genetically diverse, demographically varied and biologically sound population.”

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source: people.com