Maned wolves are the tallest wild canids in South America, with distinctive long legs and unique social behaviour. Their welfare in zoos requires careful attention to their solitary nature and specialized diet.
Maned wolves are largely solitary, pair-bonding only for reproduction. They are omnivores with a distinctive diet including the lobeira fruit, which makes up a significant portion of their wild nutrition. Captive diets must incorporate appropriate fruit alongside meat to prevent bladder crystals and other health problems. Their long legs and need for extensive ranging create challenges for enclosure design. Scent marking enrichment engages their primary communication system.