Banham Zoo is celebrating a historic milestone as four maned wolf pups were born in January 2025 – the first maned wolf birth at the zoo in 20 years.
This exciting event makes Banham Zoo one of only a handful of UK zoos to have successfully bred this Near Threatened species as part of a vital conservation programme.
The pups were born to first-time parents Enya and Thiago, and all four are thriving under their mother’s care. Now one month old, they are beginning to explore their surroundings while being closely monitored by our expert zookeepers to ensure their healthy development.
A Crucial Conservation Achievement
Maned wolves are classified as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss, road collisions and human/wildlife conflict across South America. This successful birth represents a significant step forward in the conservation of the species, strengthening the European Breeding Programme (EEP) in which Banham Zoo proudly participates.Only three UK zoos have successfully bred maned wolves in the past year.
This birth highlights Banham Zoo’s ongoing commitment to conservation, animal welfare, and species survival.
Maned wolf pups typically remain with their mother for up to a year, learning crucial survival skills before gaining independence – making this an important period for their development.
We are also proud to acknowledge the support of Towergate Insurance, whose generous sponsorship of the maned wolves will allow us to make critical improvements to the habitat, enhancing the care and well-being of these magnificent animals. It also supports our continued involvement in vital breeding programmes, ensuring the long-term survival of this rare species.
“We’re delighted to sponsor the habitat of the maned wolf pups and congratulate Banham Zoo on their breeding success of this near threatened species. It’s fantastic to see such an achievement happen in East Anglia, a region that we’re deeply proud to operate in. As a regional insurance broker, we take great pride in the achievements of the local communities and look forward to watching the pups grow in their wonderful habitat that we’re thrilled to support.”
Kirsty Wainwright-Noble, Towergate Insurance.
“The birth of four maned wolf pups is an incredible milestone for both Banham Zoo and the conservation of this unique species. It is the first maned wolf birth here in 20 years, making it a significant achievement – not just for our team but for the wider efforts to safeguard the species. Formally listed as near threatened in 2015, in recent years, the populations have decreased rapidly, and it’s believed they are at threat of extinction.
With only three UK zoos having successfully bred maned wolves in the last year, moments like this truly highlight the vital role zoos play in protecting and preserving endangered wildlife for future generations. The pups are already out and visible, and wecan’t wait for our guests to share in the joy of seeing them. We hope that births like this will inspire the next generation of zookeepers and conservationists.”
Deborah Harris, Animal Manger at Banham Zoo
Watch the Pups & Support Conservation
Banham Zoo is releasing exclusive footage to mark this incredible occasion, offering the public a first glimpse at these rare and special pups.
Watch the pups start to life here: BZ – Maned Wolf Pups Video.mp4
Kids Go Free Promotion This Easter
Come and see the maned wolf pups this Easter with our incredible Kids go free offer!
Simply book online ahead of March 30th using the code KIDSGOFREE at checkout, just in time for Easter.
Find out more about the Kids Go Free promotion here: zsea.org/banham/easter-holidays-kids-go-free
We invite visitors to come and witness this landmark conservation success and learn more about how Banham Zoo is working to protect endangered species like the maned wolf.
https://www.zsea.org/banham