Five new female wolves have arrived at the Iberian Wolf Recovery Centre (CRLI) in Mafra, north of Lisbon, from a zoo in the UK.
The arrival of the ‘girls’ brings the total number of wolves resident in Mafra to 13; three pups were born seven months ago.
The CRLI will be using social media networks to help them choose names for the newcomers (aged between three and five years old).
The Iberian Wolf is an endangered species under the European Endangered Species Programme. Sadly, the CRLI announced that donations to support the work carried out at the centre to preserve the species, have decreased dramatically due to the economic crisis, and now the wolves are facing eviction from their current home.
The 17-hectare estate where the centre is located was lent pro bono, but now the owners want their land back if the centre is unable to complete the purchase of the estate over the next four years. As a result of an online campaign, the centre has raised €76,000 – half the funds needed (a total of €157,000).
The CRLI shelters wolves found in illegal captivity or who have fallen victim to traps, and guarantees the preservation of the species, the last large carnivore living in Portugal, with an estimated population of only 300.
217 500 073 | globo@fc.ul.pt | http://lobo.fc.ul.pt (available in English)
