Maned wolves are the largest canids in South America, with specialised dietary needs and a largely solitary lifestyle. Zoo management must respect their unique ecology and avoid social housing stress.
Maned wolves are among the most misunderstood zoo canids. Their solitary nature means that forced cohabitation with conspecifics outside breeding season causes chronic stress, aggression, and resource competition. Their dietary specialisation is equally critical — failure to provide adequate fruit in the diet leads to a metabolic disorder causing painful bladder stones. Veterinary monitoring for giant kidney worm is essential as this parasite can cause severe organ damage. Best welfare practice involves individual housing with controlled breeding introductions, appropriate mixed diets with significant fruit content, and spacious, enriched enclosures simulating cerrado grassland.