malik – Jan 20, 2001 12:00 AM

Curators note: Pups are generally allowed to have a great deal of freedom in their actions when they are growing. Adults (especially alphas) appear to be very tolerant with the pups antics and generally allow pups access to food over other lower ranking pack members. Some theorize that this demonstration of parental care for the pups may be hormonally driven, others theorize that it is all part of an integral process of social bonding that keeps the pups bond to the pack strong. Regardless of the motivation, it's apparent that the pups have a lot of leeway when they are young, but as they mature, they must take their place in the rank order. It appears that this time has come to the Center's Ambassador Pack. Previous logs have shown more and more dominance displays to the pups, but it wasn't until the most recent feedings that we actually saw a noticeable difference around the defense of food.