Rare red wolf pups born at sanctuary in Washington state

TENINO, Wash. — Five rare red wolf pups were born this spring at a sanctuary in Tenino, Washington.

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The sanctuary, Wolf Haven International, shared a photo of the pups on Thursday, writing, “Each of these little beings is an invaluable contribution to the survival of this highly endangered species.”

The red wolf pups were born to parents "Nash" and "Tala."

Red wolves are critically endangered; according to the sanctuary, it is estimated there are only around 50 living in the wild, in northeastern North Carolina.

Wolf Haven International is located in southern Puget Sound, between Portland, Oregon and Seattle. The sanctuary is located on 82 acres that include prairies, wetlands and woodlands.

On Father’s Day, the sanctuary shared a special video of the wolf pups’ dad, Tala, getting to know the pups.

"Mom (Nash) is very protective and keeps a close eye to make sure he is delicate and careful at all times," sanctuary officials wrote. "Tala is a great dad (like most wolf fathers) and is now charged with the role of helping Nash keep watch over their very active kids as they venture further from the den and begin exploring their enclosure."

Watch the video of Tala getting to know his five pups at this link or embedded below.

A 50-minute guided walking visit through the public portion of the wolf sanctuary is offered by Wolf Haven International. Visit their website here for more information.

Cox Media Group