Seven years have passed since Common Wolf at Tama Zoo moved to the newly completed "Asian Plains" area within the park.

A lot has happened since then. When we first moved, we had a large group of 12 individuals. After Moro, the alpha female who led the group, died, Robo, the alpha male, died shortly afterward.

The group, having lost its leader, repeatedly fought and split. Subsequently, some individuals died from illness, and others died suddenly and unexpectedly, leaving only five remaining. The four males are Loki (11 years old), Roy (12 years old), Cero (12 years old), and Nero (11 years old), and the female is Melo (11 years old).



Top: Loki lying down Bottom: Roy dozing
Loki and Roy aren't exactly best friends, but they seem to get along, and they go out into the large enclosure together. Cero and Nero used to get along well, but recently their relationship hasn't been so good, and they spend time in separate rooms. The female, Mero, used to spend time with Cero and was also let out into the small enclosure with him, but recently Mero has shown signs of estrus, so they've been kept in separate rooms. Currently, Nero, Cero, and Mero are allowed into the small enclosure on alternating days.

The five wolves show no major health concerns. However, some age-related problems are beginning to appear. The lifespan of wolves in zoos is said to be around 15 years. In the wild, it is said to be 5 to 10 years, and individuals older than 5 years are said to be rare. This is thought to be due to their ecology and harsh habitat.

The father of the herd, Lobo, and the mother, Moro, died at the ages of 13 and 15, respectively. As the remaining five individuals are approaching this age, even more careful health management is necessary.

The main problem that comes with aging is the weakening of the legs and hips. Although he may appear to be walking and running as usual, he sometimes struggles to climb the cliffs of the moat, and his movements are less sharp than before.

I'm also concerned about the wear on his teeth. He's gnawed on all sorts of things, not just food, so his teeth are quite worn down. Cero never had very good eyesight to begin with, but as he's gotten older, both of his eyes have become cloudy, and it seems to be getting even harder for him to see. I have many worries, but I will carefully observe him and do my best to help him so that he can live a long and healthy life.

The five cubs are less active and spend more time sleeping when they are out in their enclosure, making them difficult to spot at times. If you find them sleeping in the bushes or in the sun, please watch over them kindly.

Related Links
・ The new facility, "Asian Plains," will open to the public on April 26th! (April 16, 2013)
·(movie) Tama Zoo "Asian Plains" opens! (April 2013)
・ Common Wolf Moro has died. (August 14, 2013)
・ Current status of Common Wolf (December 13, 2013)
・ Common Wolf "Lobo" has died. (February 23, 2014)
・ The wolves' summer (August 25, 2017)
·(movie) The wolf's howl (December 2017)

[Tama Zoo, Tama Zoological Park]

(March 20, 2020)