Grizzer – Seeming more Social

After we received the diagnosis on Grizzer’s ALC tear, we knew that there might be modifications to his interactions with Luna.  What we didn’t know was the Grizzer didn’t approve of any plans that involved separation from Luna.  We thought separation was in his best interest to take it easy and rest, but when he was away from Luna he would whine at the fence and displayed a lot of anxiety about the separation.  We saw improvements in his gait, so we decided to allow them time together and that seems to have changed Grizzer’s overall attitude.  He is much more social with staff and tends to rest in closer proximity to Luna.  As we spoke about in the last log, he is very relaxed with the activities associated with summer.  Interns, lawn mowers, project work, behind the scenes people, he is relaxed through it all.   One of Grizzer’s stress relievers is to chew off branches from low hanging trees.  We are happy to report that all the trees we planted this spring are intact which means that Grizzer hasn’t had a need to seek out the new vegetation.  Of course, stress isn’t the only reason vegetation is a focal point; yearling curiosity can be a challenge as well.  But, at 13, Grizzer’s a bit over the novelty of wolf care staff and their forestry projects.