Four Apennine wolf pups, orphaned after their mother was likely killed by poachers, have been successfully treated and reintroduced into the wildlife area of Civitella Alfedena, located in the Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise National Park. Their story is a symbol of hope and renewal, made possible by the commitment of the Enpa Wildlife Rescue Center (CRAS) in Perugia and the dedication of experts and veterinarians who have followed their recovery from their earliest days of life.
The discovery in Umbria and the rescue
The story of the four wolf pups began in Umbria in May 2023, when they were just two months old. Their mother had been killed by poachers, leaving them alone and vulnerable. Found in critical condition, hungry, and weakened, they were immediately rescued and transferred to the Enpa Wildlife Rescue Center in Perugia.
“When they arrived, their condition was very serious. They were suffering from malnutrition and mange, and they needed immediate care to survive,” said Massimo Floris, head of the Enpa Wildlife Rescue Center in Perugia.
The four pups — named Francesco, Chiara, Dentino, and Crosano — underwent intensive therapies and a delicate process of weaning and socialization. Mange, which posed a severe threat to their health, was treated with specific therapies, and their growth was constantly monitored by a team of experts.
Following the initial treatments, the wolf pups began to show signs of recovery: they gained weight, their fur grew back healthy, and they began to display natural behaviors such as playing and simulated hunting-skills essential for their future survival in the wild.
The transfer to Civitella Alfedena: integration into the pack
Once physically recovered, the wolf pups were transferred in two separate stages to the wildlife area of Civitella Alfedena, in the heart of the Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise National Park. This park hosts one of the oldest and most stable packs of Apennine wolves, offering the ideal environment for their reintroduction.
“A wolf’s strength lies in its pack. Being accepted by an established group is never easy, especially for animals raised without parental guidance,” explained Leonardo Gentile, the park’s veterinarian.
At the Civitella enclosure, the wolf pups faced an already well-established pack of five members, descendants of the legendary wolf Dacia—named after the writer Dacia Maraini, who played a significant role in promoting the protection of wolves in the park.
The integration process followed a natural rhythm: Francesco and Chiara initially remained on the outskirts of the pack, bonded by a strong mutual attachment that made their adaptation more challenging. Dentino and Crosano, on the other hand, more easily found their place within the group, adapting to the social dynamics and gradually earning the respect of the other members.
“They have grown and are in excellent health,” said Gentile. “They are now microchipped, as required by law, and are constantly monitored to ensure their well-being.”
Despite the initial challenges, the integration process was successful. The wolf pups began to follow the pack’s hierarchy, participating in group activities and exhibiting natural behaviors related to hunting and social interaction.
One year later: health and successful adaptation
Now, nearly a year after their rescue, the four wolf pups are thriving and have developed behaviors typical of pack life. Their recovery is an extraordinary achievement for the Enpa Wildlife Rescue Center in Perugia and the Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise National Park, where wolves play a crucial role in maintaining the ecosystem’s balance.
“Their reintroduction into the wild was possible because, despite being raised without parents, they retained natural social behaviors,” explained Gentile. “The support and care they received in their first months were essential for their integration and survival.”
Francesco, Chiara, Dentino, and Crosano now stand as a testament to resilience and adaptability. Their survival and successful reintegration demonstrate that, with proper intervention and protection, it is possible to restore to nature what humans too often take away.
The role of the Enpa Wildlife Rescue Center in Perugia: a safety net for wildlife
The Enpa Wildlife Rescue Center in Perugia played a crucial role in the initial recovery phase of the four wolf pups, providing necessary medical care and preparing them for future reintroduction into the wild. The prompt intervention and professionalism of the veterinary team saved the pups’ lives and helped them develop the skills needed to survive.
“Rescuing and caring for wildlife is one of Enpa’s main missions. The story of these four wolf pups is a testament to the importance of acting quickly to save lives and protect biodiversity,” said Massimo Floris.
Protecting wolves to preserve the ecosystem
The case of the four wolf pups in Civitella Alfedena underscores the urgent need to protect Apennine wolves, which remain threatened by illegal hunting and habitat loss. Poaching continues to be a leading cause of mortality for this species, despite national and European legal protections.
The successful reintroduction of Francesco, Chiara, Dentino, and Crosano proves that it is possible to reverse this trend, but it requires sustained commitment from institutions and civil society alike.
A message of hope
Today, the four wolf pups roam freely through the Apennine mountains, living symbols of strength and endurance. Their story reminds us that nature can regenerate itself, but it needs human support and protection to do so.
The rebirth of Francesco, Chiara, Dentino, and Crosano is not only a success for Enpa and the Abruzzo National Park but also for everyone who believes in the possibility of a harmonious relationship between humans and nature.
