(Sinks Canyon State Park, WY) – Wyoming State Parks announced the addition of two domestic ferrets to Sinks Canyon State Park in a press release this week.
The five-month-old ferrets come from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Black-Footed Ferret Breeding Facility in Carr, Colorado, where they were part of the breeding and cloning efforts that were undertaken to help save one of North America’s most endangered species, the press release states.
“Black-footed ferrets, once considered extinct, were rediscovered in Meeteetse, Wyoming, on this day in 1981, sparking decades of intensive recovery efforts,” WSP said. “(We) will use these domestic ferrets to share the inspiring conservation story of their endangered cousins, providing visitors with a close-up experience and a unique educational opportunity.”
The ferrets have been named Shep, for the dog who brought the black-footed ferret to its owners, and Hogg, for the family whose ranch was home to the ferrets.
The ferrets will be in residence at the Sinks Canyon State Park Visitor Center in the summers and will also make special public appearances during park programming.
“This is a wonderful chance for park visitors to learn about the black-footed ferret’s incredible journey from the brink of extinction and the ongoing efforts to preserve this iconic species,” WSP said.
Interpretive Ranger Angelina Stancampiano said WSP has seen “how live animals connect visitors to the stories of wildlife.”
“Observing the huge canines of ferrets and watching them slink around makes ‘endangered’ feel very real and close-to-home,” Stancampiano said.
Shoshone District Manager Kyle Bernis said it’s been “amazing” to work with Kimberly Fraser and the USFWS Black-Footed Ferret Conservation Center staff.
“They have been great partners who support our efforts to educate and interpret the black-footed ferret story, which is a great success story for conservation efforts,” Bernis said.
For updates on ferret appearances and other programming events, click here.