Next time you travel to the beach, make sure to check out the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo to see the it’s newest inhabitants: Jenkins and Walker, a pair of critically endangered American red wolves, and Mystique, a striking melanistic Amur leopard. The trio are part of two extremely rare and endangered species and represent some of the most important conservation work happening in zoos today.

Meet Jenkins and Walker, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo’s new American red wolves

Although American red wolves once roamed the Southeastern United States in great numbers, the species was driven to near extinction by the mid-1950s and delcared extinct in the wild by 1980. Thanks to restoration efforts, a small but fragile population of less than 20 individuals remains in the wild—making the American red wolf one of the rarest canid species on Earth.

The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo welcomed Jenkins and Walker—two 2.5-year-old American red wolf brothers—on December 17 as part of the AZA SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction American Red Wolf Program, a nationwide effort focued on preventing the species from disapearing entirely.

“The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is excited to play a contributing role in the conservation of the critically endangered red wolf. This exhibit will be different than our others. Guests may not see these wolves as often as other animals. This species is naturally timid, and it is important that we limit human interaction to allow the wolves to remain as wild as possible.”
Joel Hamilton, Executive Director, Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

Inside Jenkins and Walker’s new home at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, their habitat is designed to closely mimic their natural environment, and the animal care team follows special protocols that minimize human contact. Keeping Jenkins and Walker as wild as possible increases their chances of future breeding—or even eventual release back into the wild.

Meet Mystique, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo’s new melanistic Amur Leopard

Jenkins and Walker aren’t the only new species at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. Earlier this month, the Zoo welcomed Mystique, an 11-year-old melanistic Amur leopard, which means her coast is all black rather than yellow with black spots. Fun fact: Mystique’s coat does still have spots—called rosettes—which are visible in direct sunlight.

Just like Jenkins and Walker, Mystique represents a Critically Endangered species. Amur Leopards are among the most endangered big cats in the world, with fewer than 120 individuals left in the wild.

“We are honored to welcome Mystique to the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. Her presence allows us to further our mission of educating the public about endangered species and the conservation efforts needed to protect them.”
Joel Hamilton, Executive Director, Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo

Mystique arrived from Tanganyika Wildlife Park, where she played an important role in their Amur leopard breeding program. While she won’t be breeding at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, she’ll continue to serve as a powerful ambassador for her species.

According to her keepers, Mystique is already learning new behaviors, rolling in the grass, napping and hiding behind trees to surprise staff as they walk by—all signs that the rare big cat is settling into her new habitat.

Guests can see Mystique during regular zoo hours, 9AM to 4PM each day.

Excited to visit the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo to see the new critters? Tag us @thebamabuzz with photos!