lucas – Aug 9, 2000 12:00 AM

The pups were introduced into the exhibit pack today. The following is a summary from the Behavioral Observation Team. Behavioral Observation team members: Team 1: Carol Moore, Joyce Powers, Debra Mendrick Team 2: Claire Belle, Jeanette Howard, Kara Milnes Team 3: Jessica Reihing, Susan Toochin, Dari Quirk, Kristine Radermacher Lucas continues to bite at back of pups necks as if to pick them up. Shadow becomes very nervous at this behavior and tucks his tail and runs, sometimes causing Lucas and Lakota to chase with extremely high tails, actually jumping at the pups. When this behavior is targeted toward Malik, he readily submits and Lucas stops the behavior, but Lakota may continue for several more attempts to make contact. The fear-based response of Shadow increases significantly when Lucas and Lakota both chase the pups. Although Shadow tends to show more fear than Malik and is less likely to submit, Lucas and Lakota don't seem to single him out. They have been observed chasing and dominating Malik an equal amount of the time as Shadow. Lakota has attempted to draw the pups to the upper wooded portion of the enclosure, but on several occasions, Mackenzie has emerged whining louder and attempting to herd the pups to the front of the exhibit.