Emergency call for Lakota, IWC staff observed her being intensively mobbed by yearlings, specifically Shadow. Multiple puncture wounds on inner thigh, right flank and top of her head. Upon examination, curator Lori Schmidt found fluid in Lakota's inner ear, indicating a bite to the cartilage. Lakota was started on a 7 day series of antibiotics, and all wounds were treated topically. Staff is encouraged to document any further interaction and to page the curator immediately. This is normal wolf interaction for yearlings to climb social rank, the challenge is to give Lakota a safe place to defend herself. A new den will be constructed in September that will provide this safe haven. Staff and Lakota are anxiously awaiting this construction.
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Isolated wolves behind temporary fence for the construction project each day (9/18, 9/19, 9/20), wolves were kept out overnight with no signs of digging to get back into main enclosure, but on the 20th, when the wolves were returned to the front of the enclosure for the weekend, they began digging at the fresh dirt near the electrical boxes. Wolf care staff hauled several cubic yards of rocks to protect the electrical boxes.
In preparation for the fall enclosure construction (pond, waterfall, den, rock work and landscaping) we designed a test trial of some anti anxiety medication called Clomiprimine. Malik and Shadow were intensively socialized and seem to be able to tolerate any actions within the enclosure without any negative behavior. Mackenzie, Lucas and Lakota have a more difficult time, and have been observed pacing, and even fence biting when mechanical equipment is in the enclosure. Our veterinarian is seeking a way to calm the adult wolves during the upcoming construction. The wolves will be given a few days of medication, then will be exposed to some routine maintenance in their enclosure. All of the wolves will be locked in the pack holding area that the Arctic's used as a day pen last summer.
Lakota came to fence by the office whining when staff did an outside enclosure check. She layed by the gate for 10 minutes with both front legs extended under the gate for the staff to rub her paws. Later, wolf care staff entered the enclosure and found Lakota to be a bit excitable, grabbing Curator Lori Schmidt's pant leg when she tried to exit the enclosure. Staff stayed in a bit longer and spent more time with Lakota, within 30 minutes everyone settled down.
Mackenzie very slow to come down to greet. Whined allot, ears in submissive posture, subordinate urination. There appears to have been an intense interaction between Mackenzie and Shadow, possibly over deer carcass from Saturday's feeding. Mackenzie exhibiting some shadowing of Shadow, but minimal dominance from Mac. Lucas guarding the remainder of carcass, but allowing Malik to feed occasionally. Mackenzie eye is still red, with slight discharge. Lakota greeted then retreated into the woods.
Lucas seems more active today. He and Lakota both took turns chasing and biting Mackenzie in a recent play bout. Mackenzie continues to follow Shadow around the enclosure, enforcing her dominance. Mackenzie's right eye is bloodshot and appears irritated. Lucas appears to have a similar condition and is squinting allot. There were no signs of injury, but staff will monitor this for the next several days."
Good interactions with all wolves, Mackenzie's eye appears much more irritated. Lucas's eye looks better, but still appears slightly irritated. Lori Schmidt applied eye ointment and will continue treatment for 5 days. Lori Schmidt and Jen Westlund did mock injections with all wolves in preparation for the medical exam scheduled on April 23rd. Fed the wolves 5 lbs of moose meat and beef as the last food prior to the exam.
Medical exams began at 10 am and were completed by 2 pm. Everything went extremely well. The main tasks during the exam included: – Complete blood chemistry – Extensive physical examination – Dentition examination – Body weights and measurements – Determination of the pigmentation loss in Lucas's nose, lips and pads – Shadow and Malik were neutered Everything went extremely well, we even had enough time to get hip x-rays on Lucas and Mackenzie, as their hips seem to be more troublesome with age. A detailed analysis of the exam will be presented in the Fall issue of International Wolf Magazine. The weights of the pack are as follows: Alpha Male – Lucas 93.2 lbs Alpha Female – Mackenzie 95.2 lbs Omega Female – Lakota 92.0 lbs Yearling Male – Malik 86.5 lbs Yearling Male – Shadow 87.3 lbs
Medical exams began at 10 am and were completed by 2 pm. Everything went extremely well. The main tasks during the exam included: – Complete blood chemistry – Extensive physical examination – Dentition examination – Body weights and measurements – Determination of the pigmentation loss in Lucas's nose, lips and pads – Shadow and Malik were neutered Everything went extremely well, we even had enough time to get hip x-rays on Lucas and Mackenzie, as their hips seem to be more troublesome with age. A detailed analysis of the exam will be presented in the Fall issue of International Wolf Magazine. The weights of the pack are as follows: Alpha Male – Lucas 93.2 lbs Alpha Female – Mackenzie 95.2 lbs Omega Female – Lakota 92.0 lbs Yearling Male – Malik 86.5 lbs Yearling Male – Shadow 87.3 lbs
The pack holding area vestibule is being replaced to make it more secure for adult wolf transfer. Construction began today, with the wolves intently watching the contractor. A special thanks to Pat and Rene' Woodworth for funding this vestibule project. It is critical that the wolf care program has facilities to isolate individual wolves for medical care or behavioral reasons. This vestibule will replace a 5 foot fence of thin gauge chain link with an 8 foot heavy gauge chain link that also has a 2 foot 45 degree overhang at the top of the fence. This is much more secure for adult wolves who can climb or jump a 5 foot fence with ease.
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