Five orphaned coyote pups are now living at the Queens Zoo after being rescued and rehabilitated in Massachusetts.
The four female and one male coyote were all born in the spring and would not have survived in the wild without their mothers to protect and provide food for them, according to the Wildlife Conservation Society.
Though coyotes are generally shy and tend to avoid people as much as possible, they are a resilient species of canine, and can thrive and reproduce in urban environments.
The pups’ new home at the Flushing Meadows Corona Park facility consists of an expansive, grassland habitat.
“The Queens Zoo educates visitors about animals from North and South America,” said Scott Silver, director and curator of the Queens Zoo. “Coyotes range throughout North America including New York. Having these animals at the Queens Zoo is an opportunity for people to see coyotes up close and to learn more about these fascinating yet often misunderstood animals.”
RECOMMENDED STORIES
- Whitestone resident adds a little nightmare before Christmas
- Public art project to celebrate Queens’ diversity
- Jackson Heights man, inspired by own experience, helps teens with cancer stay positive
