Maned wolves are unique South American canids with specialized welfare requirements. Zoo programs support conservation of this vulnerable species while navigating their complex social and dietary needs.
Zoo maned wolf welfare requires dietary management reflecting their unusual omnivorous ecology. Providing fruit, vegetables, and animal protein alongside appropriate commercially prepared diets maintains both nutritional and behavioral welfare. Their naturally wide-ranging, largely solitary foraging behavior means that pair housing with extensive exhibit space and varied terrain is more appropriate than group housing. Exhibits should provide opportunities for the long-legged stalking and pouncing behavior used to catch small prey. Their large ears sensitive to small mammal activity can be engaged with acoustic enrichment and live prey where appropriate. Veterinary monitoring for the common kidney parasite Dioctophyme renale is essential welfare practice in zoo management.