Watch CBS News

Ferret Center In Colorado Gets $3.6 Million For Improvements

By Doug Hoffacker

WELLINGTON, Colo. (CBS4) - The world's largest facility to help breed black-footed ferrets is getting a huge boost. The Department of the Interior announced Thursday $3,588,000 in funding was awarded to the National Black-footed Ferret Conservation Center. It's located in Wellington.

three ferrets from NBFFCC
(credit: National Black-footed Ferret Conservation Center)

Black-footed ferrets are an endangered species. For more than a decade, workers there have been working to increase their numbers with special breeding programs spread over 40 acres. Staff told CBS4 the funds will go for pre-conditioning pens, upgrades to air conditioning, other building improvements, plus some new construction.

ferret hotel from NBFFCC
(credit: National Black-footed Ferret Conservation Center)

About two-thirds of the captive black-footed ferrets in the world are housed at the center. Hundreds are released to the wild every year.

More Information: blackfootedferret.org

ferret from NBFFCC1
(credit: National Black-footed Ferret Conservation Center)
sign from NBFFCC
(credit: National Black-footed Ferret Conservation Center)
baby ferret from NBFFCC
(credit: National Black-footed Ferret Conservation Center)
View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.