“It can have cascading effects on the productivity of crops, and pollinator production.”
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – It was all about wolves Saturday at the ABQ BioPark Zoo, as visitors and staff celebrated Wolf Awareness Day. Visitors got to hear from experts about conservation efforts for the Mexican Gray Wolf and its vital role in the ecosystem in the state.
“The population in the wild is definitely rebounding,” said Brandon McCormick, zookeeper for the ABQ BioPark. “The BioPark does a lot of work with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife to help rehabilitate.”
For almost 50 years, the Mexican gray wolf has been listed as an endangered species by the U.S. government. In an effort to raise awareness around gray wolves, and their needs, ABQ BioPark hosted an informational day at the zoo for visitors to learn more about the species.
For zookeeper Brandon McCormick, it’s been his job for the last two years to look over the three Mexican gray wolves that call the BioPark their home.
“I’m responsible for feeding these guys, for keeping an eye out on their health, their well-being, the social dynamics between the group,” McCormick said.
According to the BioPark, Mexican gray wolves are a keystone species; meaning it plays a pivotal role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem.
“It can have cascading effects on the productivity of crops, and pollinator production,” McCormick explained.
Over the years, conservation efforts, such as captive breeding and management of the wolves, have led to an increase in their population, and some of that breeding is done at Albuquerque’s BioPark.
“We’ve also been involved in helping to breed Mexican gray wolves that later go to nature preserves,” McCormick added.