The Woodlands Nature Station at Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area is mourning the loss of Ember, an 8-year-old female American Red Wolf who played an important role in conservation and education efforts.
Staff noticed changes in Ember’s health this winter and worked with veterinarians and members of the Red Wolf SAFE Program to treat a suspected autoimmune disease that affected her ability to digest food—an illness red wolves are genetically more prone to. Despite treatment, her condition declined and she was humanely euthanized. A necropsy is being conducted to better understand the cause of her illness.
Ember was one of roughly 300 red wolves remaining worldwide. During her lifetime, she contributed to the species’ recovery through the SAFE captive breeding program and by helping educate thousands of visitors.
In 2022, Ember and her mate Jasper had four pups—Trace, Piney, Ginger and Sugar—at the Nature Station.
At the time, Lead Naturalist John Pollpeter said Ember and Jasper hit it off and were productive parents to their pups.
Jasper died in September 2023 after reaching the age of 14. Three months later, the pups were transferred to other conservation facilities as part of the national breeding program, which spans about 50 zoos and nature centers. Ginger was sent to the Wolf Conservation Center, Sugar to Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, and Trace and Piney to Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, where officials say they have continued to do well.
Nature Station staff say Ember’s legacy lives on through her siblings, including male red wolf Percy at the facility, as well as her pups now living at breeding centers across the country.
