On July 11, 2023, Rhett, a well-known Mexican gray wolf at the Wolf Conservation Center passed away. He was 15 years old. Rhett has had a long journey; one that impacted the lives of his wild kin--the endangered Mexican wolf. In 2008, Rhett was born at the California Wolf Center; and in 2013, he was released into the wild, which was approved by the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).
Rhett was released to Apache National Forest in hopes he could accompany the Bluestem Pack’s alpha female after her mate was killed. But after just 3 weeks in the wild, he was placed back in captivity due to failing to pair Rhett with the female. After this. Rhett was released to the wild once again, only to fail.
Now, it was clear that Rhett would be spending the rest of his life at the Wolf Conservation Center--he was placed at the center in 2014 along with his mother and his brother, Diego. His first mate at the wolf center was a female named Scarlet, who sadly passed away in 2015. After this, Rhett Finally would get his mate for life, Belle. While Belle was pregnant, her mate nurtured and brought her food.
Belle would have 6 pups--3 would stay at the WCC with Belle and Rhett; Maus, Jean, and Nita. While Belle was He participated in the SSP (Species Survival Plan). Just like his wild kin, he was an amazing wolf that possessed a close relationship with his children, mate, and grandchildren. We will always honor Rhett, and his unbeknownst efforts to save his wild populations
We miss you, Rhett.
Sources
https://nywolf.org/2023/07/wolf-conservation-center-mourns-loss-of-mexican-gray-wolf-rhett/
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