grey wolf, Orana Park
03-07-2008
photo originally taken probably in the mid 1980s.
Orana's wolves were hybrid subspecies, although originally they were called Great Plains Wolves (Canis lupus nubilus) in the Park's guide-book, which was little more than wishful thinking. The original individuals came from Auckland Zoo in 1977. The last three animals, two males and a female which had all been bred at the Park, were anaesthetised in April 1993 due to old age and related medical problems. The move was criticised by animal-rights group SAFE who accused the Park of 'regularly shooting animals when they outlive their usefulness'
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