4 minute read
WILDFILE
New Arrivals
On November 20, a male addra gazelle was born to sire (dad) Fossil and dam (mom) Hera. This was the second addra calf born at The Living Desert in 2023! Addra gazelle, also known as dama or mhorr gazelle, are critically endangered with fewer than 200 mature addra estimated remaining in their native habitat. The Zoo partners with organizations around the world such as Sahara Conservation, who work to repopulate addra gazelle into areas of Africa where they have disappeared. Additionally, The Living Desert team has done field work with the Sahara Conservation and the Scimitar Horned Oryx Reintroduction Project to bring them back from extinction by reintroducing the species within a reserve in Chad, ensuring the animals are safer and continually monitored.
In September, a new cohort of desert tortoise hatchlings arrived at the Zoo! This cohort is part of the headstarting program, a collaboration between The Living Desert, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, Edwards Air Force Base, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Geological Survey. These hatchlings will be cared for at the Tennity Wildlife Hospital, where they will live in a temperature-controlled environment and given a nutrient-rich diet to help the young tortoises grow larger with a thicker shell — one of their main forms of defense against predators such as ravens — faster than they would in the wild. Sadly, these tiny tortoises had a tough start. Due to the heavy rains and wet soil conditions last year, the hatchlings were slow to emerge from their eggs and suffered a fire ant infestation and flesh fly larva attack. The Living Desert and San Diego Zoo teams jumped into action, saving many hatchlings from the predation. Veterinary staff treated the new arrivals, and they have since been thriving in the safety of our care. Make sure to stop by the Wildlife Hospital to see these little hatchlings!
A Recovery Story
Soleil Ellen, a three-year-old Mexican wolf, recently injured her front leg after landing awkwardly from a jump. These injuries are not uncommon in Mexican wolves as they are often running, jumping, and very active. She was taken to the hospital right away, and a thorough evaluation by the Zoo’s veterinary team revealed a mid-shaft spiral fracture of the right humerus. To determine the best possible treatment plan for Soleil Ellen, The Living Desert team consulted with experts in the field, including specialists from the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Mexican Wolf Species Survival Plan® (SSP). It was decided that the best course of action for Soleil was to amputate her leg.
While treatments such as surgical fixation with pins and wires or casting were considered, it is a hard recovery for active wolves — even in the wild — which involves confining them to a small area for a lengthy healing process. “Unlike with people, we can’t prescribe bedrest or offer crutches to a wolf,” said Dr. Andrea Goodnight, the Zoo’s Head Veterinarian. “Considering the limitations of the other treatments, an amputation was the best choice for Soleil Ellen’s mental and physical wellbeing. This procedure will have minimal to no effect on her future and will allow her to resume normal activities with her pack as soon as possible.”
Soleil was moving around just one day after her successful surgery on November 29, and was back on habitat about two weeks later! She is being closely monitored by the animal care team as she reintegrates back with her pack, males Drew Hudson and Paul Newman. “Wolves are incredibly resilient,” said RoxAnna Breitigan, Chief Operating Officer and former Director of Animal Care. “Much like domestic dogs, wolves missing a limb learn to compensate and adapt well to walking, running, and even raising young.”
Soleil is an ambassador for the endangered Mexican wolf species, helping to share their success story. “Thanks to the long-term leadership of The Living Desert, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and our many partners across the Southwest, the Mexican wolf has rebounded from near extinction from only seven animals to over 600, with over 240 living in the wild!” says Allen Monroe, President/CEO.
