malik – Jun 15, 2006 12:00 AM

Malik is showing a new side to wolf care staff this summer. We've always struggled with brushing and fly ointment with the arctics, possibly because of their higher status, possibly because they were a bit older than the other wolves when wolf care staff met them, possibly because this subspecies has a genetic disposition to adverse environmental conditions, regardless, basic care was a struggle. In today's wolf check, not only did Malik get a full coat brushing, but he also successfully achieved two applications of fly ointment. The coats of the arctics are tremendously soft and glossy, a clear indication of good health and probably a natural selection for a harsher winter environment in the genetics of their lineage.