malik – Mar 21, 2005 12:00 AM

Last Thursday's wolf check was interesting for Jen Westlund and I, not only in the retired enclosure (check Lakota's log), but also in the Exhibit pack. Jen generally gets along better with Malik, and I get along better with Shadow. When Jen comes in and Malik gets a lot of attention, he displays many more dominant postures and tests towards Shadow. It is important to note the influence handlers have on the individual wolf dynamics as well as the impact of Behind the Scenes tours. If one wolf is more comfortable than another, it may be the confidence they need to take on another wolf. Staff need to be watchful of this influence and adjust accordingly.