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Our Wolves

Apache

Biography

Apache was born on May 2, 1998 to Cheech and Juanita at the Endangered Wolf Center.  His litter included Tanamara, mate to Picaron, who passed away in the winter of 2009.

      In October of 2000, veterinarians discovered a hole in his heart via ultrasound.  Because of this, he was neutered to prevent the abnormalities passing on to future generations.  As Apache grew older, his heart healed and is now working normally.

      In December 2004, Apache fractured his front right leg.  By March of 2005, it was decided that Apache needed a bone plate and graft onto the broken leg.  He was taken to Veterinary Specialty Services where the surgery was performed.  Apache’s leg healed, but he still walks with a noticeable limp.  He receives joint supplements daily to help prevent arthritis in his leg.

      Apache has been paired with several different companion wolves (both male and female) throughout his life.  Unfortunately, he has had trouble bonding with them which has led to aggressive interactions and eventually separation.  In August of 2006, the last wolf he was paired with for companionship ended up injuring his throat during a scuffle.  Emergency surgery was performed by Saint Louis Zoo veterinarians, and he stayed at the zoo for several weeks receiving tube feeding, antibiotics, and having his wounds cleaned.  After Apache’s throat healed, it became apparent that his howl had been affected by the wound.  His howl sounds a bit different than the other wolves, but he still enjoys howling with the rest of his neighbors.  In fact, he often gets the whole group howling on a regular basis. 

      Although Apache has had his share of unfortunate incidences he is a special wolf and is much beloved by staff and volunteers.  He enjoys receiving bones, deer legs and hunting in his enclosure.  He is also very protective of Mexican gray wolf neighbors Anna and Dude.  He seems to have taken a special interest in their pups over the years and is very protective of them.  When the keepers go inside Anna and Dude’s enclosure to pick scat, Apache will pounce at the fence line and howl until the keepers exit.  He also finds amusement in running and pouncing the fence line at Dude and his yearling sons.