Grizzer has had somewhat of a rough winter with his eye and ear wounds, though both have completely healed up. We suspect that Aidan and Denali may have had something to do with those scrapes and bites. Grizzer’s tolerance of the pups has been admirable, though he is quick to remind them with a lip curl or a controlled muzzle bite where they are in the rank order if they become too exuberant for him. Grizzer also continues to remind Malik of his place in the pack as the third ranking male.
For the most part, Malik has had a good winter. This may be due to the fact that, with the addition of Aidan and Denali to the Exhibit Pack, Grizzer’s attention is frequently on the pups when they are biting and grabbing at him and less on Malik. This is not to say that Grizzer is not exerting his dominance over Malik; he still does, as we can see through his body language and behaviors. However, Malik is quick to defend himself with lip curls, growls, and an unexpected nip when Grizzer is occupied with the pups.
Maya’s favorite winter activity in the last week seems to be lying on top of the snow pile and sliding down it like an otter. This large snow pile in front of the exhibit viewing area is the result of snow removal from the roof. The snow was then snowblown away from the building so the wolves would not have access to the roof. This has been one of the best enclosure enrichments this winter and has provided the wolves a high place to perch. It is not uncommon to find Maya laying on top of the snow pile and watching or stalking her packmates from atop the hill.
Shadow’s confidence as the dominant male in this pack cannot be understated. Shadow is a wolf who clearly demonstrates why he is the leader of this pack. His protectiveness and pack mentality make him a natural leader. It is only a dominant animal who is comfortable and confident in his status who can roll over in the snow in a submissive posture to the pups and invite them to chase him through a series of playbows. Wolf care staff have seen the playful side of Shadow, however, we have also observed that he is quick to discipline the pups when needed. Aidan and Denali both seek out Shadow’s attention and acceptance, reinforcing his status as the dominant male.
Happy President’s Day, Due to the Holiday, all of the logs will be the same posting today: The Nanny selection process has been completed and award letters were mailed on the 15th of February. We are still in the selection process for the Behavioral Observation program, and have extended the deadline until April 15th. We intend to have the Behavioral Observation award letters for those current applicants sent by February 22nd. Please be patient, as this is a very important task. We want to make sure we have a good fit for each crew to have the most positive experience for the pups. One other comment relates to a new face you may be seeing on the Exhibit Pack webcam. After 6 months of training, work with the Retired Pack and an opportunity to gain Shadow’s trust, Don Gossett and Sharee Johnson have been successfully integrated in the Exhibit Pack as a Level I wolf care staff. Shadow was a bit hesitant at first, but has been very responsive to the newest staff members. Being a Level I handler means that they must always be accompanied by a Level III for safety, with a Level 2 for backup. So, when new staff are in the enclosure, you are likely to see 3 or 4 staff. We want to make sure that all staff that will be handling pups are perceived as part of the program by Shadow and Maya. If a staff person is not trusted by Shadow, and they are observed handling the pups, it can create an aggressive situation. This is why we are so stringent on the Nanny program, it is critical to the social dynamics of the wolf yard that all people interacting with the pups respect the adult wolves, especially Shadow. Remember, this pup introduction’s purpose is to maintain a socially cohesive pack.
Happy President’s Day, Due to the Holiday, all of the logs will be the same posting today: The Nanny selection process has been completed and award letters were mailed on the 15th of February. We are still in the selection process for the Behavioral Observation program, and have extended the deadline until April 15th. We intend to have the Behavioral Observation award letters for those current applicants sent by February 22nd. Please be patient, as this is a very important task. We want to make sure we have a good fit for each crew to have the most positive experience for the pups. One other comment relates to a new face you may be seeing on the Exhibit Pack webcam. After 6 months of training, work with the Retired Pack and an opportunity to gain Shadow’s trust, Don Gossett and Sharee Johnson have been successfully integrated in the Exhibit Pack as a Level I wolf care staff. Shadow was a bit hesitant at first, but has been very responsive to the newest staff members. Being a Level I handler means that they must always be accompanied by a Level III for safety, with a Level 2 for backup. So, when new staff are in the enclosure, you are likely to see 3 or 4 staff. We want to make sure that all staff that will be handling pups are perceived as part of the program by Shadow and Maya. If a staff person is not trusted by Shadow, and they are observed handling the pups, it can create an aggressive situation. This is why we are so stringent on the Nanny program, it is critical to the social dynamics of the wolf yard that all people interacting with the pups respect the adult wolves, especially Shadow. Remember, this pup introduction’s purpose is to maintain a socially cohesive pack.
Lakota was very active during a check after a recent snowfall, she continues to be the most excitable of all the wolves on site. She starts with a playbow, lowering her front legs and springing back into a run. MacKenzie rarely chases her anymore, but that doesn’t stop Lakota from displaying the behavior. It is good to see a wolf nearing 15 years of age with that kind of spunk.
Even though Lakota’s hearing has diminished and her vocal chords no longer support a howl, she is still alert to the activities within and throughout the wolf yard. In this week’s video clip for MacKenzie, she shows a submissive greeting to MacKenzie followed by the motions of a howl. In her video clip, she investigates the enclosure and tosses a deer hide into the air. These are all expressions of strong social cohesiveness between the individuals of a pack.
MacKenzie has been having a good month; she is extremely interactive with staff, which is always a good indication that she’s feeling well. The only issue has been with branches breaking off in the snow. One of the White Pine branches landed inside the enclosure and has caused her a little anxiety. It’s wedged in the snow and can’t be moved by hand, and needs some saw work. We will wait to do that until we can move MacKenzie and Lakota into the holding area, so we don’t cause any more anxiety for her. This will have to wait until some snow melt to get access to the holding area, so in the mean time, MacKenzie has created a new path around the tree limb. Lakota has no problem with it, and enjoys sticking her head in the limbs. MacKenzie’s limited vision is probably impacting her reactions.
This pup appears to be more alert and timid than the other pup. He is more inclined to move away from staff, requiring more patience and handling to get him to relax. He was the first pup to take to the bottle and he really seeks out comfort spots in the enclosure, including the curator's pillow on the first night in the wolf lab in Ely. You will notice this pups left front toenails are painted red to aid in identification until the pups get more distinguishing marks.
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