The male dominance order seems to be settling down, but every so often, something sets the pack into a chase scene. Usually, it's Malik showing a bit too much confidence for Shadow's liking. Today was such a day. Malik was in the lower enclosure and gave Maya a bit of grief. Shadow, who was at the top of the pen, heard a bit of a squeak from Maya, and appeared within seconds to send Malik in a chase up the hill. As quick as these start, they end, just a reminder of the importance of rank order at all times. A pack in the wild needs strong leaders, if there's continual disregard to a leader's status, it may affect the entire dynamics of the group and eventually affect wolf hunting success and survival. Even in captivity, the rank order of a wolf pack is critical.
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Shadow has not shown any signs of inner ear scratching since the exam. We hope that we've solved this problem and in making his physical condition improve, that we also improved his psychological condition. Staff have certainly observed a more socially interactive, stimulated, wolf since the exams. He is very tuned in to the actions of the pack and keeping his status. In the wild, people have observed sick or injured wolves that display very subdued behavior, causing people concern as they don't show the natural fear often exhibited by a healthy wild wolf. It's very important to recognize, that any wildlife species showing unusually bold, or apathetic behavior toward human presence may be responding to a physical problem and may be unpredictable.
This log was written by Cathy Jents from the Working for Wolves Weekend. The May Working for Wolves program provided the participants an opportunity to experience first hand the role of a dominant wolf. Shadow displayed excellent leadership behaviors. At our first meeting participants met the wolf pack at the fence and Shadow started a protective wolf/bark howl which the other wolves joined in. Shadow then did a distinctive sharp bark which got the attention of the other wolves and they stopped howling. It is known that these leadership behaviors and respect from the pack increases wild wolf survival. When visiting the center, you may encounter Shadow howling in a shy, nervous fashion, however, this behavior is presented to protect and care for his pack.
This log written by Working for Wolves Participant: Joyce Wells Grizz was very active this week-end. He climbed and jumped at trees in the exhibit enclousre searching for food treats hidden by staff, wrestled with Maya prior to the what's for dinner program on Saturday and stalked minnows in the pond on Sunday. He stationed himself on the rock in the pond and checked minnow activity then slowed to stroll to the back of the enclosure. Earlier he occupied himself pulling some of the protective fencing down in the holding enclosure while the exhibit area was under spring reconstruction.
This log written by Working for Wolves Participant: Pamela Dolajeck Despite the rainy cold, windy weather Lakota was in good spirits despite all the activity going on around her. While the work on the retired enclosure was in progress, the retired wolves were put in a seperate area, but inspected everything that had been done upon return. Lakota was very curious and didn't miss anything, from the new chips in the den boxes to the re-arrangement of the rocks by the entrance gate. She then stretched out on some soft sand in the sun and took a well deserved rest that every 13 year old wolf needs.
This week, all the wolves will have the same log text, although the photos will be different. We conducted an enclosure enrichment project, where a variety of unusual food scraps such as hamburger patties, frozen meat balls, fish and a few other food items were scattered throughout the enclosure. The wolves had a variety of responses to the items. Grizzer ran around and ate everything he could find, Maya scent marked, Shadow scent rolled, Malik investigated every spot with a high tail and excitability, Lucas food guarded, MacKenzie actually caught a burger in midair, and Lakota cached what she could take from Lucas. This type of stimulus creates high activity, a chance to use their sense of smell, and overall curiosity. Today was an overcast, cooler day, perfect for this type of high end stimulus.
This week, all the wolves will have the same log text, although the photos will be different. We conducted an enclosure enrichment project, where a variety of unusual food scraps such as hamburger patties, frozen meat balls, fish and a few other food items were scattered throughout the enclosure. The wolves had a variety of responses to the items. Grizzer ran around and ate everything he could find, Maya scent marked, Shadow scent rolled, Malik investigated every spot with a high tail and excitability, Lucas food guarded, MacKenzie actually caught a burger in midair, and Lakota cached what she could take from Lucas. This type of stimulus creates high activity, a chance to use their sense of smell, and overall curiosity. Today was an overcast, cooler day, perfect for this type of high end stimulus.
This week, all the wolves will have the same log text, although the photos will be different. We conducted an enclosure enrichment project, where a variety of unusual food scraps such as hamburger patties, frozen meat balls, fish and a few other food items were scattered throughout the enclosure. The wolves had a variety of responses to the items. Grizzer ran around and ate everything he could find, Maya scent marked, Shadow scent rolled, Malik investigated every spot with a high tail and excitability, Lucas food guarded, MacKenzie actually caught a burger in midair, and Lakota cached what she could take from Lucas. This type of stimulus creates high activity, a chance to use their sense of smell, and overall curiosity. Today was an overcast, cooler day, perfect for this type of high end stimulus.
When enclosure enrichment projects are done in the Exhibit Pack, Maya's predatory behavior is very stimulated. She stalks the scent trail of the handlers until she finds the stashed treats. She's most observed doing the rock to rock leap in a very fluid motion. When people observe a pack of wolves crossing a frozen lake in winter, they often comment on the smooth gate of a traveling wolf. Maya displays this same type of movement.
This log written by Working for Wolves Participant: Andi Nelsen During enclosure enrichment, Mac and her siblings were locked in a seperate enclosure. Den boxes were power washed, the pond drained, cleaned and refilled. Straw was removed and grass seed and cedar chips were added. During the process, Mac started out anxious, but eventually relaxed and took a nap under one of the pine trees. Eventually she and Shadow started showing signs of displeasure (growling and some baring of teeth). Upon returning the the enclosure, Mac immediately went to check her spot in the corner where freshed cedar chips had been placed. Later, Lucas had moved into her spot, so fresh cedar chips were reintroduced to the den boxes so Lucas to have a place to relax.
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