Luna – New Arrangements

Luna’s behavior has been revealing since taking some time out of the Exhibit on the morning of the August 7th pup introduction.  We knew the decision we made would have implications, but Luna’s behavior is telling us that a time out from the pack may be what she needed.  She is adjusting well to life in the pack holding area and wolf care center and specifically to the additional staff that can now interact with her and the lack of competition during feeding. We recently had a demonstration on “Cold Laser’ technology and its’ benefits to animal care and certainly see some potential for not only Luna, but a variety of wolf management issues.  We have scheduled a consultant for a workshop/hand-on training in physical work with Luna for mid-September but again, will also look at work that can be applied to any of the wolves in our care.   It’s a special time for wolf care and volunteers to have some quiet time with Luna.  It was a rare experience for one-on-one time during her time in the enclosure with greetings often resulting in competition and guarding behavior.   We are seeing a new side of Luna that not many people can appreciate.  One thing that is important to note, as with any of our ambassador wolves, we assess the physical condition, the individual behavioral displays and the social interactions that help drive management decisions about pack life.  This is a practice we have employed for over 25 years; we need to be tuned into the individual and be responsive to changing dynamics that helps guide us in making the best decisions for every ambassador in our care.