Denali has no problem with any contract work, and he constantly amazes us in his tolerances. The difference between the littermates is dramatic and we learn from each individual wolf. Denali has been quite interested in the pond treatments for algae. Based on research from livestock watering tanks, we discoverd that Hydrogen Peroxide in 35% solution is used to clean tanks and keep them algae free. We use small quantites to dilute with the pond water so the wolves don't have direct contact with the peroxide. We lock the wolves off in the medical pen when we apply the treatment and stir it around the water before allowing the wolves out. Of course, when Denali comes back out, his curious nature draws him to the pond. We aren't certain how this is going to work, but it's safer than the many chemical products sold.
Malik continues to have some hair loss, although it's not indicative of a skin condition, meaning there's no redness on the skin at the sign of the hair loss, only a bald patch. We have one more test that requires a urine sample, which is a bit of a challenge to get on an active wolf, but we have a long pole with a container that tries to collect a sample mid-stream. Malik shows no signs of scratching these patches, they just exist. If we rule out any medical issues, then we are left with psychological, which is a bit more challenging to fix. Certainly Grizzer's close proximity to Malik may be causing some internal anxiety, once we get Grizzer some more space out of view of Malik, that may help. Otherwise, we will need to design management activites that provide a different stimulus for Malik. A majority of our wolf care management is psychological and therefore, not an exact science.
Shadow has surprised us all with his tolerance of the construction on Grizzer's habitat. Of all the wolves here to display territorial behavior, Shadow is usually the one to bark howl and posture towards strange people. In the last few days, Shadow has just lounged on the den as the crew comes by with pipes, ladders, generators, motorized post hole diggers and a work crew of 4. When it gets hot, he just moves to the elderberry shrubs and finds a comfortable place to continue his rest. We are very pleased about that, at the age of 11, they don't need more things interrupting their well-deserved rest.
Grizzer is much better since the fence contractors completed the main fence for his new habitat. Wolf Care staff still have a lot to complete including ground wire, concrete pads at the gates, line rail along the retitred wolf wall and a new den. The area will be ready for his use when we complete the rails, concrete and ground wire. The den will be something that we construct later this summer. He will have access to the current pack holding area which has a protective roof. The nice thing about this design is that if we need to work on the new area, the gate can be closed to keep him in his current space. When we are not working, he can have access to both for a significant amount of new space.
The wolf logs are all the same this week due to the obligations to the Ethology class and an 80 degree heat and humidity spell that requires the curator to be spending time keeping the wolves cool. We had a great Ethology course this week, and the staff at the Center learned some great new techniques for managing anxiety, thanks to some tremendous resources among our program participants. The wolves did extremely well, even allowing for small group tours of Grizzer’s enclosure extension on the last night. Grizzer’s ground wire is in place, the next week will focus on burying the ground wire, completing the concrete pads and laying out the den. Our hope is to move him by July 15th. Shadow and Malik have a significant amount of hair remaining, but we continue to hand pluck the hair on a daily basis. Today is extremely warm and humid, so extra sprinlker time and use of the water hose is critical. Enjoy the 4th of July weekend, and be safe. Someone had asked if the wolves panic due to the fireworks noise, and the answer is no, we do some very positive conditioning as pups to fireworks, and they are very accustom to thunderstorms, showing no negative issues with this noise. Wind on the other hand, makes them nervous.
The wolf logs are all the same this week due to the obligations to the Ethology class and an 80 degree heat and humidity spell that requires the curator to be spending time keeping the wolves cool. We had a great Ethology course this week, and the staff at the Center learned some great new techniques for managing anxiety, thanks to some tremendous resources among our program participants. The wolves did extremely well, even allowing for small group tours of Grizzer’s enclosure extension on the last night. Grizzer’s ground wire is in place, the next week will focus on burying the ground wire, completing the concrete pads and laying out the den. Our hope is to move him by July 15th. Shadow and Malik have a significant amount of hair remaining, but we continue to hand pluck the hair on a daily basis. Today is extremely warm and humid, so extra sprinkler time and use of the water hose is critical. Enjoy the 4th of July weekend, and be safe. Someone had asked if the wolves panic due to the fireworks noise, and the answer is no, we do some very positive conditioning as pups to fireworks, and they are very accustom to thunderstorms, showing no negative issues with this noise. Wind on the other hand, makes them nervous.
The wolf logs are all the same this week due to the obligations to the Ethology class and an 80 degree heat and humidity spell that requires the curator to be spending time keeping the wolves cool. We had a great Ethology course this week, and the staff at the Center learned some great new techniques for managing anxiety, thanks to some tremendous resources among our program participants. The wolves did extremely well, even allowing for small group tours of Grizzer’s enclosure extension on the last night. Grizzer’s ground wire is in place, the next week will focus on burying the ground wire, completing the concrete pads and laying out the den. Our hope is to move him by July 15th. Shadow and Malik have a significant amount of hair remaining, but we continue to hand pluck the hair on a daily basis. Today is extremely warm and humid, so extra sprinkler time and use of the water hose is critical. Enjoy the 4th of July weekend, and be safe. Someone had asked if the wolves panic due to the fireworks noise, and the answer is no, we do some very positive conditioning as pups to fireworks, and they are very accustom to thunderstorms, showing no negative issues with this noise. Wind on the other hand, makes them nervous.
The wolf logs are all the same this week due to the obligations to the Ethology class and an 80 degree heat and humidity spell that requires the curator to be spending time keeping the wolves cool. We had a great Ethology course this week, and the staff at the Center learned some great new techniques for managing anxiety, thanks to some tremendous resources among our program participants. The wolves did extremely well, even allowing for small group tours of Grizzer’s enclosure extension on the last night. Grizzer’s ground wire is in place, the next week will focus on burying the ground wire, completing the concrete pads and laying out the den. Our hope is to move him by July 15th. Shadow and Malik have a significant amount of hair remaining, but we continue to hand pluck the hair on a daily basis. Today is extremely warm and humid, so extra sprinkler time and use of the water hose is critical. Enjoy the 4th of July weekend, and be safe. Someone had asked if the wolves panic due to the fireworks noise, and the answer is no, we do some very positive conditioning as pups to fireworks, and they are very accustom to thunderstorms, showing no negative issues with this noise. Wind on the other hand, makes them nervous.
Aidan is still acting a bit anxious about any enclosure work but as soon as projects are done for the day, he's back on the greeting rock. He's had a noticeable change with some handlers, displaying some anxious grab biting. These handlers are staying out of the enclosure until construction is done to avoid creating a negative situation for both Aidan and the staff.
Denali has no anxiety towards any work, and has really become conditioned not only the bell as a sound condition, but prior to the Enclosure Enrichment program, he waits at the holding pen doors to come into the medical pen. I wish Aidan was that easy, but Aidan continues to show hesitance at the gate and anxiety about people approaching the wolf yard from the driveway.
The International Wolf Center advances the survival of wolf populations by teaching about wolves, their relationship to wildlands and the human role in their future.