Canadians Take Another Look at Motown

The Detroit Zoo proudly announces
the birth of two Wolverine kits (Gulo gulo).  The kits are the only surviving
litter born at a North American zoo this year, and the first ever surviving
litter born at the Detroit Zoo.  The births are significant because the
captive and wild wolverine populations are dwindling.  There are only 77
wolverines in captivity worldwide.

    The new kits, Sparty and Bucky, were born on February 25, 2005 and
remained in an off exhibit maternity den with their mother, Aggie, until
recently.  The wolverine kits weigh approximately 8-10 lbs.  The sex of each
kit will not be determined until their mother is comfortable being separated
from them, at which time Zoo veterinarians will perform natal examinations.
The kits are part of the Zoo’s participation in the AZA’s Population
Management Plan (PMP), an intensive cooperative breeding and conservation
program designed to help some of the world’s most threatened and critically
endangered wildlife.

    “The birth of these new kits is wonderful news,” said Detroit Zoo Director
of Animal Welfare and Conservation, Scott Carter.  “They are an important
addition to the captive wolverine population, and we are delighted that they
are doing so well.”

    The wolverine mating season runs between June and August, with births
generally occurring in February and March.  Like bears, female wolverines
create dens away from other wolverines and predators where they give birth.
Prior to Aggie’s denning, Zoo keepers installed a camera with infrared light
in the den to monitor her and the kits’ birth and development.  Other than
supplying Aggie with food and water, the family was not disturbed during the
denning period.  Aggie’s normal exhibit mates, Luka and Jigi, were removed
from the exhibit several weeks prior to her denning.  Luka, a female
wolverine, will return to the exhibit in approximately one year.  Jigi, the
kits’ father, will return to the exhibit when the kits are several years older
and can fend for themselves.

    In the wild, wolverines inhabit arctic and sub-arctic areas in Russia,
Canada, Scandinavia, Mongolia, and parts of the United States.  Female adult
wolverines usually reach 15-23 pounds, and adult males generally weigh 22-45
pounds.  Wolverines are opportunistic eaters who mostly feed off the kills of
hunters and wolves.  In captivity, they eat a commercial, zoo-brand, feline
diet, as well as fish, chicken and bones.  These playful animals are a
threatened species; exact population numbers are unknown but researchers
believe they are low because of a decline in the animals’ natural habitat and
because they are hunted for their fur.

    The Detroit Zoological Institute is comprised of the Detroit Zoo and the
Belle Isle Nature Zoo.  The Institute, founded in 1928, is committed to
celebrating and saving wildlife.  Situated on 125 acres of naturalistic
exhibits, the Detroit Zoo is open year round with several indoor viewing
areas.  The Detroit Zoo is located at the intersection of Ten Mile Road and
Woodward Avenue, just off I-696 in Royal Oak.  Admission is $11.00 for adults
13 to 61; $9.00 for senior citizens 62 and older and $7.00 for students ages 2
to 12; and children under 2 are free.  For more information call
(248) 398-0900 or visit http://www.detroitzoo.org .  The Belle Isle Nature Zoo
is located on Belle Isle Park in Detroit.  The Nature Zoo is currently under
construction but some family programming takes place on the weekends with
advance reservations by calling (313) 852-4056.  The Detroit Zoological
Society works to promote the general welfare and interests of the Detroit
Zoological Institute.  Financial support has allowed the Zoo to expand its
animal collection, open new exhibits, and implement major beautification
projects.  To help the Detroit Zoological Society through financial support,
partnership opportunities, membership, or volunteering, please call
(248) 541-5717.