BRIDGEPORT–— Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Avenue, will celebrate the first birthday of three rare Maned wolf pups (Chrysocyon brachyurus) with a special “Maned Event” for the wolf family and guests on Thursday, December 27, at noon. The public is invited.

In remembrance of the late Julia Wasserman’s long-term service to the zoo’s Board of Directors, and in gratitude for a generous bequest, Zoo Director Gregg Dancho announced that the zoo will honor the late Sandy Hook resident on that day with the naming of The Julia Wasserman Maned Wolf Experience.

Ms Wasserman served on the board for many years, provided financial support during her lifetime, and worked as an advocate for the zoo with the state legislature. A former Connecticut lawmaker, she was an elected official from Newtown. An initial $20,000 bequest in her will was supplemented by an additional $50,000, a discretionary distribution from the estate.

The first birthday for the three wolf pups, Goncarlo, Guapa, and Sabana, will be marked with cake and hot cocoa for all guests, and special educational talks in front of the Maned wolf habitat. The animal care staff will provide special birthday treats and enrichment for the Maned wolves at that time, usually offering great photo opportunities for attendees.

There will be free bookmarks for the first 500 guests. 

About Maned Wolves

The birth of three critically-endangered Maned wolf pups (Chrysocyon brachyurus) took place on December 27, 2017, at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, a first time for this species at the Zoo, and for the state of Connecticut. The development of a Species Survival Plan (SSP) has enabled the breeding of Maned wolves in human care. The goals of the SSP are to maintain a viable, self-serving population in North America, enhance the health and wellbeing of individuals, and promote conservation of this species through education and field conservation initiatives.

For more information, visit beardsleyzoo.org.