Ottawa University Arizona’s sports mascot, Fang, is getting some name recognition outside of Surprise.

The university is sponsoring the Mexican gray wolf enclosure at the Phoenix Zoo, 455  N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, and one of the animals is now named after OUAZ’s Fang.

Earlier this year, the zoo welcomed a litter of six Mexican gray wolf pups as part of a national program that aims to restore these endangered wolves to their native Southwest territory. The OUAZ-sponsored enclosure is an important component in achieving the goal set by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Mexican Gray Wolf Species Survival Plan.

When OUAZ opened its residential campus in Surprise in 2017, it picked a Mexican gray wolf mascot named Fang in a symbolic nod to the nearby White Tank Mountain Regional  Park.

“The legend of Fang, OUAZ’s mascot, is one of a lone wolf who finds inclusion and support from like-minded faculty, staff and students at our West Valley residential campus,” Chief Enrollment Officer Brian Sandusky said. “We saw an opportunity to support a unique ecosystem that echoes the values and spirit of our growing student body. We’re honored to have Fang come to life through his namesake at the zoo.”

Guests can visit the Mexican gray wolf enclosure at the Phoenix Zoo, which is open daily from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Visit phoenixzoo.org.

IF YOU GO

• What: Mexican Gray Wolf Enclosure at Phoenix Zoo
• When: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily.
• Where: Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix
• Admission: $24.95 (ages 14 and over); $16.95 (ages 3-13); free (2 and under)
• Information: phoenixzoo.org.

Editor’s note: OUAZ contributed to this story.