Farewell, Sequoyah
A Tribute to Red Wolf 1794
📸 Dakota Casteel
Sequoyah, a Red Wolf (Canis rufus) who knew Reflection Riding as home for many years, peacefully passed away on January 17, 2023 at Reflection Riding at the age of 12 years, 9 months after a brief battle with renal failure.
Sequoyah was born into a litter of nine, sired by Red Wolf 1122 and dam Red Wolf 1353 on April 17, 2010 at Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, and given the studbook number 1794. As a member of the Red Wolf SAFE (formerly Red Wolf SSP), she transferred to facilities based on the needs of the Red Wolf population under human care - some Red Wolves move frequently, some less. At 4 years 7 months, she was transferred from her birthplace to Durham Museum of Life and Science in Durham, NC. At 6 years 7 months, she was transferred to Reflection Riding in Chattanooga, TN where she was paired with a male for breeding. Unfortunately, this pair produced no offspring. She was then paired with another male for 2 years with no success. Females are excluded from breeding at the age of 10, so Seqouyah became a companion for two males at different times in her later years. She outlived the first male she was a companion to and interestingly, she later became a companion to that male’s son.
Very recently, it became apparent she was not feeling well, and veterinary tests revealed kidney failure. Sequoyah participated in research including a progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) study conducted by North Carolina State University. Post-death, her ovaries and uterus were collected and shipped to Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute for a reproductive study and future gene expression studies. Techniques are being developed to rescue eggs from these tissues to save genetics for the next generation. The research included cryopreservation of tissue for genome banking and growing ovarian tissue in vitro. Additionally, her organs were collected and will be shipped to Arkansas State University’s bio-specimen bank for historical and DNA data.
Sequoyah was not only beautiful, but a leader in her younger years. She could often be seen and heard howling, soaking up the sun during her afternoon naps and if you spent any time observing her, you would recognize her quiet majesty. She is preceded in death by both parents, six brothers and one sister. She is survived by one sister and many cousins. Seqouyah was very dear to Reflection Riding’s wildlife team. Her memory will always bring a smile and warm thoughts.
When Sequoyah first arrived at Reflection Riding, we immediately noticed how beautiful she was and how large. She was on the higher weight and size range for a female Red Wolf, yet her personality was one of quiet confidence and grace. She led effortlessly and was a kind partner to her mates and companions. Her size commanded respect, but she remained humble. She was the epitome of dignity and regalness.
Red Wolves have strong cultural importance to Native Americans, specifically the Cherokee. They hold the Red Wolf in high esteem and respect, admiring its traits of courage, strength, wisdom, and communication among many. Sequoyah certainly exhibited these qualities in her serene powerfulness.
She was generally always visible to our guests and eagerly awaited her meals. In her younger years, she was usually first to the meal, enjoying rats, mice, beaver and deer. As she aged, she allowed her younger companions to eat first.
She never produced offspring yet her donated organs will help with Red Wolf research, genetic banking, historical data, and the possibility of IVF for future generations. These important donations mean she will continue saving her species and teaching folks about Red Wolves even though she doesn’t walk among her earthly kind.
Sequoyah was strong but not rude, kind but not weak, humble but not timid, proud but not arrogant.
Godspeed, Sequoyah. You will forever be in our hearts.
📸 Jeff Guenther
