Maned wolf
Status
Near Threatened
Classification
Mammal
Exhibit
South End of the Zoo
The "Fox on Stilts"
With long, hind legs, and slightly shorter front legs, which may be an adaptation for travel through muddy swamps while hunting, maned wolves range from parts of northeast Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Peru, Bolivia and the Amazon Basin rainforest.
A Species All In Its Own
Related to fox and other wolves, maned wolves belong to an entirely different branch of the canid family tree.
The species gets its name from the characteristic mane-like strip of black fur running from the back of the head to the shoulders, which is raised when the wolf senses danger or is excited.