lakota – Aug 9, 2000 12:00 AM

Pups were introduced into the main exhibit. The following is a summary of the observations from the behavioral team: 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 As a result of intensive play behavior between Lakota and the pups, Mackenzie forced Lakota to submit on two separate occasions. During the first encounter at 8:30 am, Lakota vocalized several yelps as Mackenzie grabbed the scruff of Lakota's neck and her hind quarters. After dominating, Mackenzie stood over Lakota several times before allowing her to retreat with tucked tail into the wooded area. During the dominance encounters, the pups looked on and attempted to charge Lakota while Mackenzie had her down. When Lakota got up and charged the pups, they run with tucked tail, generally with shadow showing more fear than Malik. Later in the day, another encounter between Lakota and Mackenzie resulted in a similar response. Lakota tried to steal a bone from the pups, Mackenzie barked a short quick bark and Lakota submitted, whining the entire time. Mackenzie displayed a similar behavior to Lucas over food, but Mackenzie didn't bark at Lucas. During an 8 hour observation shift from 11 pm to 7 am, the observation crew observed 7 aggressive interactions between Lakota and Mackenzie and 7 aggressive interactions between Lucas and Mackenzie. All of the aggression appeared to be initiated by Mackenzie in response to the other wolves proximity to pups or food.