Tama Zoo currently houses three gray Common Wolf (subspecies: Common Wolf). This time, we will introduce the cohabitation of "Sui" (female) and "Kayoran" (male), as well as an update on "Sero" (male).

Kayoran, a male turtle, arrived at Tama Zoological Park in January of this year from a German zoo as part of a breeding plan with Sui. Eight-year-old Kayoran had difficulty fitting in with the group at his previous zoo and was kept alone. After arriving at Tama Zoo, a quarantine period was put in place to check his health, and he was given plenty of rest and food to recover from the fatigue of his long journey. After that, the process of gradually getting him used to the indoor environment and the zookeepers began.

Preparations for them living together began with a meeting between them through the bars inside the house after Kayoran's quarantine period ended. At first, Kayoran approached Sui, but Sui showed caution towards Kayoran, raising her fur, baring her teeth, and growling. Furthermore, Sui threatened Kayoran with her front paws, and Kayoran seemed to be avoiding Sui.


Swallow's threatening behavior
However, they gradually became accustomed to each other as the days went by, and began to look for one another if the other wasn't in the room. Originally, we had planned to wait until friendly behaviors such as tail wagging were confirmed before allowing them to live together, but since they no longer showed any threatening behavior except when foraging, we decided to start the cohabitation training.

During their cohabitation in the large enclosure, which began on April 2nd, there were no major conflicts between the two. They were observed chasing each other and sniffing each other's genitals, but they still seemed a little distant from each other.

A week later, the two were seen inviting each other to play with their "play bows," and were observed actually playing together. However, since Sui patrols the enclosure during opening hours and Kayoran is often resting, it may be a little while longer before visitors can see the two of them playing together.


Sui and Kayoran show their play bow posture to invite each other to play.
Finally, a word about Cero. Cero is the oldest individual Common Wolf in Japan, and will turn 18 on his birthday this year.

During the day, the animal is on display and can move freely between the indoor area and a small enclosure. However, due to its advanced age, its activity level has decreased, and it spends more time resting indoors. Previously, only an infrared heater was installed, and it spent the winter months in this area. Last year, air conditioning was installed indoors, allowing the entire room to be heated during the winter. Air conditioning is also available in the summer, creating a more comfortable environment for the animal.


Celo Common Wolf
We will continue to work hard to improve the environment and care so that the three animals can live healthy lives, so we hope you will come to Tama Zoo and experience their charm firsthand.

[Tama Zoo]

◎Related articles
・ Maro's death and memories (November 9, 2018)
・ Seven years after moving to the "plains of Asia," the gray wolf's recent Common Wolf (March 20, 2020)
・ The current status of the wolves (October 14, 2022)
・ Common Wolf have arrived at the zoo from Switzerland. (March 2, 2024)
・ One month has passed since "Sui," Common Wolf, arrived at the zoo. (April 26, 2024)

(April 18, 2025)