The maned wolf is a unique South American canid with specific welfare needs including large territories and an unusual omnivorous diet. Zoo management must account for these needs.
Maned wolf welfare in captivity is shaped by their specialised ecology — a largely solitary, wide-ranging omnivore with unusual dietary requirements. The high prevalence of urinary bladder stones in captive maned wolves is a significant welfare concern that appears related to diet — particularly the substitution of commercial diets for the natural omnivorous diet including wolf apple fruit. Research into dietary modification to reduce stone formation has produced improved protocols that reduce incidence. The solitary nature of maned wolves means that unsuitable pairings can cause chronic stress; the species requires careful social management. Providing adequate space for territorial behaviour and scent marking, along with appropriate dietary diversity, forms the foundation of adequate welfare provision.