There is a new wolf on the block and he all we can ‘Toco’-bout!
Meet eight-month-old Maned Wolf, Toco (pronounced tock-o), Adelaide Zoo’s newest resident.
Arriving from Wildlife HQ in Queensland last month, Toco has joined 13-year-old Ninka in the leafy Maned Wolf habitat near the Sea Lion lawn.
Senior Keeper of Carnivores and Ungulates, Arliah Hayward, said it was very exciting to welcome another wolf to the family, as Adelaide is one of the few places in the country where visitors can see the species.
“Toco has settled in really well, he has lots of hiding spots amongst the Monstera in his habitat. He is still trying to find his perfect comfy spot, so you will see him trying out lots of different areas,” she said.
“He has been very respectful of Ninka, letting her eat first, and she is teaching him how to be an adult wolf. This includes showing him that you need to be quick at dinner time, otherwise she will steal your food!
“You can tell the pair apart from their snout colouring; Toco is darker, as a Maned Wolf pups are dark brown in colour when they are born and they gradually gain their chestnut colouring as they age.
“Toco also lost his tail as a young pup well before he arrived at Adelaide Zoo, but this does not impact him in any way – other than to make him more interesting and beautiful!”
The best time to see the duo is in the morning or late afternoon when they are more active, but keep an eye out for their impressive ears and see if you can spot them having a snooze in their tunnel or among the foliage throughout the day.
If you can’t spot the wolves, you may still be able to smell or hear them. Maned Wolves mark their territory with powerful-smelling urine, and have a unique roar-bark that can be heard from kilometres away.
The Maned Wolf is the only species in its genus, and has a very different appearance and temperament to the other species of wolf. Shy in nature and closely resembling a fox, their tall stature and long legs help them see above tall grass during hunting.
Classified as near threatened, there are less than 23,600 of Ninka and Toco’s species surviving in the wild due to habitat loss in South America.
For more information and find out how you can support the conservation of species like the Maned Wolf, please visit adelaidezoo.com.au.
