FEBRUARY 11, 2015
Three wolf brothers finally receive their names!
SCOTTSDALE – On a crisp January morning, participants in Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center’s Wild Workshop: Wolf of the Southwest, walked up Lobo Lane past three brother wolves, who had yet to be named. These three wolves are ten years old and have been at Southwest Wildlife since 2006, living a peaceful and happy life with each other in their large, lush enclosure.
Mexican gray wolves are the most endangered wolf in the world. United States Fish and Wildlife Service provides each wolf with a unique number.
Up until January of this year, these brother wolves only lived with their numbers – they remained unnamed. This was the perfect opportunity to ask wolf enthusiasts to help name these three wolves. At the Wild Workshop last month, participants provided suggestions for names and then they were able to vote on the names they liked best.
M887 Vermillion
The first of three Mexican wolf brothers that the Wild Workshop participants named is M887. He's the most colorful, bold and outgoing of the brothers. He was given the name Vermillion, after the colorful cliffs. It's a big name, but he's got a big personality to match!
M888 Tivaci
The second of the three wolf brothers is M888. He's the lightest in color of the brothers, curious and intelligent. He was given the name Tivaci (pronounced tee-vah-chih). Tivaci is wolf, the wise older brother of coyote, in the Uto-Aztecan or Southern Paiute language.
M889 Nico
The third of the three wolf brothers named is M889. His left front leg was amputated after an injury that happened before he came to the sanctuary. He is our only 3-legged Mexican wolf. He was given the name Nico, short for único or unique in Spanish.
Thank you to all the participants for coming up with some fabulous names! These wolves' true personalities can now shine through as Vermillion, Tivaci, and Nico.
Whether you're an Arizona resident or visiting from out of town, a tour of the Nature Center is a unique opportunity to learn about Arizona native wildlife. Guided tours allow you to get an up-close view of some of the permanent sanctuary animals and share their compelling stories.
Looking for something unique and special for you and your valentine to do this Valentine's Day? Register for the Hearts & Howls event, for a night of wildlife, decadent desserts, and stories all about true love. Space is limited.
Visit www.southwestwildlife.org. Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center is located at 27026 N. 156th St. in Scottsdale.
Wildlife Clinic/Emergencies: 480-471-9109. Wildlife Education/Tours: 480-471-3621.
