maya – Nov 17, 2008 12:00 AM

Maya has calmed a bit since her dominance behavior began in October. This could have just been a surge in hormones that produced this behavior, or it could have been a necessary part of the learning process for Aidan. Now that Aidan has learned to roll in submission for Maya, there is less intensity for him. Maya has also been observed showing some strong social interaction with Shadow, rubbing under his chin, riding up on his back, doing playbows and active submission behavior. This is all part of the winter pair bonding behavior for the dominant pair. Even though this pack is spayed and neutered, the ritualized dominance and bonding is an instinct. Shadow has been tolerant of Maya, but sometimes, he just wants to get away from her. After the loss of Lakota, we thought it was important for the pack to investigate the Retired Enclosure and to give them an opportunity to increase their stimulus by exploring. Maya was the most communicative towards Lakota, frequently whining at the fence when Lakota was in the wolf yard. It is hard to know what wolves perceive, but Maya's attentions toward the Retired Enclosure have decreased since the scheduled visits began. A video of their time in the Retired Enclosure was posted on YouTube.