Israeli Wildlife Authorities Rescue and Operate on Injured Arabian Wolf in Ramat Gan Safari

Last week, Jamiel Atrash, a Nature and Parks Authority ranger, responded to a report of an unusually tame injured Arabian wolf in the settlement of Ir Ovot. Accompanied by veterinarian Dr. Roni King, they successfully captured the wolf and transferred it to the Ramat Gan Safari Wildlife Hospital for treatment. The wolf, named "Hamu" in honor of ranger Yehoram Hamu whose birthday coincided with the rescue day, was found to be severely dehydrated, underweight, and suffering from multiple leg wounds.

Veterinarians Dr. Nitzan Adam and Dr. Ruti Shabiro conducted thorough examinations, revealing fractures in the radius and ulna bones of the wolf's right front leg, along with skin tears including a knee injury on the hind leg. The medical team immediately stabilized the wolf with a temporary cast, pain relief, fluids, antibiotics, and special honey-based wound dressings to prevent infection and promote healing.

After a week of stabilization, the wolf underwent a complex orthopedic surgery performed by Dr. Matan Or, assisted by Dr. Shabiro and Prof. Dudu Ashhar, the wildlife hospital director. The surgery involved fixing the fractures with an orthopedic plate, screws, and pins. Post-surgery, the wolf awoke well and will remain under close medical supervision with a cast until full recovery. The team hopes for her eventual return to the wild.

The Nature and Parks Authority emphasized that the Arabian wolf is a protected species and Israel's largest predator, playing a vital ecological role in the Arava desert region. Natural prey includes rabbits, porcupines, Nubian ibex, and gazelles. However, increased human food waste has altered their diet and boosted their population, leading to more human-wildlife conflicts as natural habitats shrink. While encounters with wolves cannot be entirely prevented, authorities urge the public to maintain distance from injured wildlife and report sightings promptly to save lives.