ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Asha, the endangered Mexican gray wolf known to wander in New Mexico, was released into the wild with her mate and puppies Thursday.
The day is a long time coming for officials who kept Asha captive within a designated recovery zone, spanning New Mexico and Arizona, so she could mate and expand the population.
Then, Asha ventured out of the area twice – in late-2022 and 2023. Advocates say this indicated the species is ready to roam beyond their zone.
Asha eventually stayed in the area long enough to give birth to five puppies in mid-May. After this, managers said they planned to release Asha, her mate and the puppies – leading to Thursday.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife officials said there were at least 286 Mexican gray wolves living in the zone earlier this year. They said there needs to be at least 320 wolves before they consider loosening restrictions.
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