Brookfield Zoo Farewell Mexican Wolf, Sibi

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: December 14, 2021 6:00 pm

Sibi, a 9-year-old Mexican wolf at Brookfield Zoo, was humanely euthanized this week after a CT scan showed significant deterioration of a front leg joint that could not be repaired surgically or managed with pain relievers.

Photo Credit: Jim Schulz/CZS-Brookfield Zoo

Brookfield Zoo have bid a sad farewell to their 9 year old Mexican wolf Sibi. Sibi was humanely euthanized this week after Veterinary examinations and a CT scan revealed that there was a serious decline in her front leg which could not be managed surgically or through medication.

Sibi was born in a managed care environment in Mexico in 2012. Following her move from Mexico to the Endangered Wolf Center (EWC) in Missouri carers noted that she was limping.

Following an exam it was found that a foreign particle was lodged in her wrist and in several areas of the body. These were revealed to be buckshot, which could not be removed. It was obvious that Sibi had suffered being shot prior to her arrival at the EWC.

“It is upsetting to think of an endangered wolf being illegally shot inside what was a protected area in Mexico, but this is the harsh reality wild wolves live with every day. Sibi did very well for most of her life, but it was apparent she was in discomfort recently and her ability to walk normally was declining,” said Joan Daniels, curator for mammals for CZS, which manages Brookfield Zoo.

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Despite her injury Sibi contributed four litters to the survival of her endangered species during her time in managed care. Two were born at the EWC and the other two at the USFWS’s Sevilleta facility in New Mexico. “She was a true ambassador of the hardships that Mexican wolves face in the wild. Her survival and perseverance as an attentive and caring mother were inspiring,” said Daniels.

Following the loss of Sibi a recommendation has been made for Brookfield Zoo to breed their resident Mexican wolf pair in 2022. The current pair housed at the zoo is made up of Vivilette, a 2-year-old female Mexican wolf and an 8-year-old named Amigo.

Vivilette has also suffered an injury during her life. As a puppy she was found with an open fracture on her front leg which could not be fixed with surgery. Due to this her leg was removed. Luckily many wolves have been recorded raising off-spring and successfully hunting giving hope she will be successful.

Amigo is an experienced father having raised two litters at the EWC.

Learn more about the Brookfield Zoo on their website – Brookfield Zoo

Sibi, a 9-year-old Mexican wolf at Brookfield Zoo, was humanely euthanized this week after a CT scan showed significant deterioration of a front leg joint that could not be repaired surgically or managed with pain relievers.

Photo Credit: Jim Schulz/CZS-Brookfield Zoo