Maned wolves are solitary, omnivorous canids from South American grasslands requiring large, naturalistic enclosures and varied diets to maintain welfare in zoo settings.
Maned wolf welfare in zoos requires large enclosures with varied terrain that accommodates their natural ranging behavior. Their omnivorous diet means enrichment through fruit feeding and buried invertebrate items satisfies both nutritional and behavioral needs. Solitary management outside of breeding is appropriate for this naturally non-social species. Olfactory enrichment including scent marking opportunities supports territorial communication behaviors.