By Ferdinand Zogbaum, Reporter
HOMOSASSA — A Homosassa wildlife park is playing a vital role in a mission to help save an endangered species.
April and Jester are two red wolves who make their home at the Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. The future of their species rests partly on their shoulders.
“Fingers are crossed,” said park services specialist Andrea Junkunc.
Junkunc says red wolves are critically endangered. There are only about 100 left living in the wild and about 200 living in captivity. April and Jester can help change that.
“So far so good,” said Junkunc. “They seem to really like one another.”
The wildlife park is one of several facilities around the nation that are part of the Species Survival Program for red wolves. April just arrived and she is the first female the park has ever had. Hopes are high that the two wolves hit it off and have a lot of puppies.
Junkunc says any babies they have could be released into the wild. This romance is rushed, but a lot is at stake.
“We are very excited to be part of it,” Junkunc said.
So the pressure is on for this new couple that have a chance to help their species survive.
The red wolf was added to the endangered species list back in 1973. Habitat loss is a big reason why they are struggling.