Malik has been using this prolactin calming period to gain some status over Grizzer. It is likely to be short-lived, but it is classic wolf behavior to exploit a weakness. Malik seems to be the least interested in the pups, of course, that doesn't mean he won't accept them, and we are not concerned about it since Shadow and Maya are so attached. This week's photo shows Malik in high tail as he jumps on the greeting rock where Grizzer was sleeping, the follow up picture is posted in Grizzer's log, where Grizzer averts his gaze and eventually gives the rock space to Malik.
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The pups are doing much better in programs with Red Paw showing the greatest tolerance for noise and activity. It’s the wolf care staff’s job to find items that distract the pups and encourage them to socially interact. Previously, we have been using a deer leg and a beaver tail, but that seemed to not get the same response as it did when it was introduced. So, at the 3 pm program today, Curator, Lori Schmidt, cut off a fresh deer tail from one of the roadkill in the freezer. Red Paw immediately took possession and defended it from Attila during the whole program. He aggressively growled, and ran with it anytime Attila approached. Of course, Attila, being Attila, was able to tug at it and get possession of it momentarily, but Red Paw is tenacious. After the program, Curator, Lori Schmidt attempted to get the tail back from Red Paw and he clamped down hard on her finger and wouldn't let go. Needless to say, Puppy teeth are extremely sharp and we now have our first pup canine bite for the year. It is important to try to offer a distraction before taking something from a possessive pup.
Attila has been doing extremely well with programs, but wolf care staff need to work with Attila on some fear avoidance behavior with loud noises, fast movement and people walking toward them. Attila is very interested in the Curator's dog, and displayed a submissive paw towards Jake. The purpose of using the dog is to get the pups exposed to a large canine standing over them, and reduce their fear response. If they show intimidation and fear the first time they physically meet the adult wolves, this could be perceived as a weakness. We will continue to work with the dog throughout the summer.
Sorry for the delay in logs, there was an extreme thunderstorm here that knocked out the server for the webcams and caused the lab computers to be in the shut down mode for a while. The pups are active and healthy, and we are in the process of setting up a portable webcam to keep up with them as their time indoors is diminishing. They want to be out and play in the wolf yard. I received an email inquiring about the pups and Lakota. We will not be placing the pups with Lakota, for two reasons: # 1 – they scare here.. she sees them at the gate, and they get nose to nose contact, but when they start to wrestle and growl, she backs off. # 2 – Shadow is very possessive of the pups, as the Nannies have experienced. We have some good cohesive behavior between the pups and the Exhibit Pack, if Shadow or Maya see the pups interacting with Lakota, they may peceive them as hers, and may be less enthusiastic about the introduction. So far, Lakota likes coming to the fence to be part of the action, but she also likes to the freedom to walk back into the Retired enclosure. When the pups are sleeping and in the lab kennel, Lakota gets free reign of the wolf yard, and she sniffs everywhere the pups have been.
As I write this log, the pups are outside playing next to the Exhibit Pack. They are spending more time outdoors and are exhibiting submissive pawing behavior towards the Exhibit Pack. Grizzer was intensively whining at the fence and causing Attila some anxiety, but Red Paw remains calm, even when Shadow comes over and dominates Grizzer when he gets so intense. These are all good signs of a cohesive social group.
Attila had a good program day, although he was startled by a young toddler running up toward the fence. Attila seems to be more alert to quick motions and exhibits more predatory behavior. As I write this, both pups are under my desk chewing on someones shoe. Social time in the lab is important, and whatever makes them comfortable.
Grizzer is really starting to shed, and he is returning to the lean summer wolf pelage. Staff are brushing him on a daily basis and getting bags of hair. He is still showing strong social behavior towards the pups and is often at the fence for a greeting. Grizzer is shown in several photos this week, his own photo showing his shedding, in Lakota's photo, greeting her at the gate, in Maya's photo, where he is also greeting the pups. He does get around and interacts with everyone.
Lakota has benefited greatly from the access to the pack holding area and the wolf yard. It keeps her mobile, sniffing the various pup spots and in face to face contact with the Exhibit Pack. In this week's photo, you will see Lakota and Grizzer greeting at the gate, as Red Paw watches from the wolf yard. Lakota is still a bit slow to take her vitamins, she can detect the pills in most forms of delivery (hot dogs, ham, turkey, bone dust)… so, staff will likely be back to crushing meds again.
The Wolf Logs for the week will contain the same text for each wolf. The curator was at a conference during the week, and time is limited for Friday duties. The pack did well in the Curator's absence, it is important that wolf care is not dependent upon one individual, but a multitude of individuals that can meet the wolves' basic needs. There are 16 people associated with the wolf care program and all have their own strengths and skills that help manage the packs. Aidan continues to be confident and Grizzer is still showing some anxiety when Aidan puts his tail in a T-2 posture and follows him. There will be a Vermilion Community College Ethology class beginning some observations, and we hope to have some good data to share by the end of April.
As you may have read in the press release, Maya was euthanized on Tuesday March 1st, 2011. The decision to euthanize was based on a defined scenario in the Euthanasia policy: an injury that requires major surgical intervention with a questionable outcome and potential recovery issues. But equally important is the influence of" Quality of Life" discussions which is our ethical responsibility to these captive wolves. A podcast is being developed to discuss the management scenarios surrounding this incident. This log serves the purpose to recognize the incredible spirit and appreciation we have for her. Maya was a special individual that taught us the behavioral capabilities of a dominant female. She didn't start out that way. As a pup, she was very timid and subordinate, but in between her first and second year of age, Shadow chose her to be his pair bonded pack mate. Maya's confidence excelled and she maintained that confidence and status until the day of her death. Captive wolf management is about the individual and their personalities that mesh to form a social pack. We will always value the time we spent with Maya, the memories are many and the lessons learned are great.
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