Bergen County Zoo Welcomes 2 Red Wolves At New Exhibit

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — The Bergen County Zoo welcomed two new animals with quite human names to a new exhibit on Friday evening.

Shane and Rich are two red wolves, and their presence in Paramus is actually part of a larger Red Wolf Recovery Program "designed to save the species," according to county officials.

"The arrival of Rich and Shane at their new home will hopefully inspire all visitors to advocate on behalf of red wolves," said Regan Downey, education director of the Wolf Conservation Center. "With only 9 red wolves known to remain in the wild, these brothers are the future of their critically endangered species."

The zoo's new exhibit is over 10,000 sq. ft. and will serve as the home to the two young male red wolves on loan from the Wolf Conservation Center.

For county officials, the new exhibit also serves as a local commitment to conservation efforts.

"The recent opening of the Red Wolf Exhibit at the Bergen County Zoo reaffirms our County’s commitment to the conservation and preservation objectives highlighted in the first-ever Bergen County Parks Master Plan," said Steve Tanelli, Bergen County Commissioner Chairman.

"The exhibit will not only serve as a way for our residents to learn about the American red wolf, but will ensure that such a critically endangered species continues to recover and thrive."

According to the conservation center, red wolves are a critically endangered species, and one of only two species of wolf in North America. As of July 2021, only nine red wolves are known to remain in the wild, located in North Carolina, the center said.

The grand opening celebration held on Oct. 1 also marked the beginning of National Wolf Month, and featured festivities at the zoo including a performance by the Red Storm Drum & Dance Troop.

Below are photos of the wolves, as well as scenes from the event:

Keep up to date with what's happening in your community by subscribing to your local Patch newsletter here.