For wolves, playtime isn’t only fun; it strengthens family bonds and reaffirms social status within the pack. Research shows wolf pups are more likely to play on equal terms with wolves of similar age.The authors propose that such behavior may act to reinforce the dominant adult and subordinate puppy hierarchy established outside of play, and hope that continued research in this area may provide further insight. More: http://bit.ly/2qKJvxl Watch these ridiculously cute red wolf pups via LIVE web

For maned wolf pups, playtime is serious business! Keepers captured rare footage of Nikko and his six-month-old pup, Lu, enjoying a playful afternoon at the Zoo's conservation campus in Front Royal, Virginia. Natural parental care helps young wolves build the skills they need to thrive in adulthood. Learn more about our maned wolf pups in our latest pupdate! https://s.si.edu/4mlKYme | Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute