Great Plains Zoo’s wolves featured on book cover

Some exciting news from the Great Plains Zoo in Sioux Falls:

Two Red Wolves at the Great Plains Zoo and Delbridge Museum of Natural History are helping tell the story of America’s endangered animals. They are featured on the cover of frequent CBS Sunday Morning contributor and National Geographic photographer Joel Sartore’s new book, "Rare: Portraits of America’s Endangered Species."

The Zoo has worked with Sartore on several occasions to photograph endangered animals.  His photo of the Zoo’s Nene Geese was featured in the January 2009 edition of National Geographic.  Photos and information about these birds can also be found in Rare.

Sartore’s book highlights the critical situations for 69 plants and animals, from the Grizzly Bear and Delhi Sands Flower-Loving Fly to the Fringed Campion and Clay’s Hibiscus.

Red Wolves are extremely endangered.  Fewer than 120 Red Wolves survive in northeastern North Carolina; this is the world’s only wild population of Red Wolves.  The Great Plains Zoo is a key player in the endangered animal breeding program for Red Wolves. It has four of only 179 Red Wolves in captivity in the United States.

“We are honored to help Joel Sartore tell this important story,” said Elizabeth A. Whealy, President and CEO of the Great Plains Zoo.  “One of the cornerstones the Zoo’s mission is conservation.  Joel understands the importance of conservation and preservation and, like the Zoo, is dedicated to sharing that message.”

For more information about Rare: Portraits of America’s Endangered Species, please visit www.rarethebook.com.

The Great Plains Zoo and Delbridge Museum of Natural History is open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. with gates closing at 6 p.m. Visit the Zoo online at www.greatzoo.org or call 605-367-7003 for more information about the Zoo and Museum.