America is lucky because we get to see some of the animals in the list of endangered species in zoos. There is no need to travel into the wilderness or wait for hours for the species to show up in their natural habitat. One of the latest additions to the zoo from a list of endangered species is the Mount Graham red squirrels. Their new home for 4 of these intriguing squirrels is the Phoenix Zoo.

The four squirrels, 2 male and 2 females were brought in from the wild to avoid becoming victims of wildfire. As you may know by now, Arizona has been a place that has seen too many wildfires break out this year. These fires have devastated land and property, and ruined the natural habitat of plants and animals.

The Mount Graham squirrels have been under undue stress from these types of incidents as well as being under threat from a competitive squirrel species. According to Marit Alanen who is the lead biologist connected with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, capturing the squirrels was not an easy task. However, they hope to be able to grow more in captivity while being under the care of the Phoenix Zoo.

Two years ago, in 2009 the Arizona Game and Fish Department estimated the count of this particular squirrel species to be around 250. The year before, their estimate was higher at 263, plus or minus and error of 11. Compare this to the 1997 figures of Mount Graham red squirrel population of 350, give or take a few. In short, the number keeps dropping.

The cause for this decline aside from wildfire is drought, lack of food supply, and insects. This year is like a last-ditch effort to bring their population up to a level that could sustain their existence. Many experts believe the these squirrels will be able to experience a rebound in population if they are given the right living conditions. Hopefully, their stay at the Phoenix Zoo will produce the desired results.