shadow – Mar 26, 2006 12:00 AM

Wolf care staff have been discussing Shadow's behavior and the noticable changes since the 2004 pup introduction. When Malik and Shadow were the only members of the exhibit pack, Shadow seemed somewhat aloof with wolf care staff, and when he did greet, it was for a short period, with limited excitement. Since the pups introduction, Shadow has taken on the role of pack leader. He's usually the first to greet, he initiates play bouts, is watchful of all other interactions and responds with high tail and facial expressions when behavior gets a bit too much. The obvious change is that for the first time in his role as an adult wolf, he has a pack to lead. It certainly reinforces the biological studies of wild wolves that speak of the roles of a dominant wolf.