Conservationists and wildlife officials are mourning the loss of a beloved endangered Mexican gray wolf named Ella, whose body was discovered March 30 in New Mexico. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has confirmed that her death is under investigation, and a reward of up to $105,000 is being offered for information leading to the conviction of those responsible for the illegal killing of Mexican gray wolves.
With Mexican gray wolves on the endangered species list since 1976, the killing of Ella is a detriment to the fragile recovery efforts of one of North America’s most endangered mammals.
A Tragic End for a Trailblazing Wolf
Ella had captured the hearts of many after she became the first known Mexican gray wolf in decades to cross north of Interstate 40, venturing near Mount Taylor—an unusual and bold move for her species. She had been named “Ella” by schoolchildren as part of a wolf education program, and her journey was celebrated as a symbol of the ongoing effort to restore the endangered species to its historic range.
“We’re deeply saddened that her journey has come to an end, because her roaming was teaching us about where Mexican gray wolves choose to be,” said Greta Anderson, deputy director of Western Watersheds Project. “The agencies insist on keeping wolves south of Interstate 40 in Arizona and New Mexico based on the ‘historic range’ of the species, but wolves like Ella live in the present and they are showing us their species’ future is in an expanded northern range.”
A Species Struggling to Survive
Mexican gray wolves, also known as “lobos,” once roamed vast stretches of the American Southwest and Mexico but were nearly wiped out by the mid-20th century due to government extermination campaigns. The leading reason for these extermination campaigns has been the depredation of livestock, with the government almost completely wiping out the species in the first half of the last century. Since reintroduction efforts began in 1998, their numbers have slowly rebounded—but threats from poaching and illegal killings continue to jeopardize their survival.
According to the USFWS, there were 257 Mexican gray wolves documented in the wild in 2023 with 162 in New Mexico alone, a slight increase from previous years. Each individual wolf plays a critical role in the genetic diversity and success of the population.
Authorities Seek Public’s Help
Officials are urging the public to come forward with any tips or leads regarding Ella’s death or any unlawful killings of Mexican gray wolves. The combined reward of $105,000—supported by several nonprofit organizations and private donors—underscores the importance of protecting this imperiled species.
“With Mexican grey wolves facing a panorama of threats including habitat degradation, genetic diversity loss, and threats to legislation that protects these imperiled wolves it is more important than ever to investigate these incidents and curb illegal mortality.” said Nico Lorenzen, conservation and wildlife associate with Wild Arizona.
A Call to Action
As the investigation continues, Ella’s legacy as a pioneer and ambassador for her species lives on. Conservationists are calling for stronger enforcement of wildlife protection laws and increased public awareness to prevent further tragedies.
For now, Ella’s story serves as both a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers facing wildlife and a rallying cry for those working tirelessly to protect it. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at 1-844-FWS-TIPS or through their website.
Ella may be gone, but her impact on the fight to save the Mexican gray wolf will not be forgotten.
