Written by Workin' for Wolves participants Wendy Watson and Codi Falley: Maya continues to show stalking behavior with Aidan but also shows social play behaviors, with both yearlings. Notice in Maya's photo the airplane ears while Denali sits behind her contemplating his next move. This indicates the way in which Maya is always aware of her surroundings.
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Written by Workin' for Wolves participant Andi Nelsen: During this weekend's working for wolves program, participants did some final preparation for the retired pen in anticipation of Shadow and Malik's eventual retirement. Sound barriers were placed on the far back fence, trees were planted, the bottom of the pond was treated with a compound to prevent slipping, and a visual barrier was placed on the top line of the fence. Despite all the noise and activity Shadow only started to bark howl once, showing less stress about the strangers in his yard than on previous programs. Since the construction has started in the main building and the entrance was moved closer to the wolf pen, Shadow has been showing his protective nature by monitoring the activities near the new entryway. He spent a bit of time observing the working for wolves workers, but soon was back guarding the main entrance. He continues to be very tolerant of the yearlings, often engaging in play behaviors as observed in the photo, and giving reassurance to both Aiden and Denali. He seems to enjoy the interaction while still maintaining lead status of the pack. As is often the case with Shadow, he made a very limited appearance at the Saturday night feeding, instead preferring to watch from back in the enclosure. On Sunday morning there was little evidence of Saturday night's deer; all wolves appeared sated and very relaxed.
Shadow continues to show all the signs of a strong dominant leader. He is confident when there are interactions among the subordinates, he is sought out by the yearlings, who clearly show submissive posture to him. He lets the yearlings know their place, and he guards the pack from the perceived threat, the temporary new entrance door while the Center Exhibit is under construction. We look to Shadow to give us signs that the behavior we are seeing between Malik and Grizzer is becoming a problem. So far, Shadow responds with no anxiety, or increased dominance towards either. This helps keep the yearlings calm and out of the mix. It is a good thing that the yearlings take their lead from the dominant male.
Malik seems to be relaxing more, and this has reduced tension between he and Grizzer. Staff have noted that Malik is more interactive, one staff commented that Malik was like a shark in the water, he moves around the enclosure, then comes in to rub a staff person on the back of the knee. This rub-on behavior is a very social, relaxed behavior, and we are glad to be observing more of this behavior. We are still discussing retirement which will be inevitable for the 2000 litter of Malik and Shadow. But, with Shadow so clearly in charge, and Malik who seems to have finally accepted that he lost a challenge to Grizzer's 2nd ranking status, we might be able to keep delay the retirement. Of course, summer is easy, hormones are naturally nurturing, it's the fall and winter hormonal cycle that will be the key. The yearlings were definitely shown their status by Shadow and Maya this winter, so that may reduce their inclination to climb rank when they reach maturity.
Shadow continues to posture himself on the hill by the temporary building entrance. He doesn't like the crowds so close to the enclosure. While he's occupied with guarding this side of the enclosure, he doesn't appear to be showing anxiety or weakness over the situation. We're watching for signs of tucked tails and flat back ear postures. Signs of anxiety could be perceived as a weakening of his status to the rest of the pack, and could encourage someone to start testing, but as you can see by the video, Shadow is clearly in charge.
Aidan continues to remain very submissive to Shadow. He does seem to seek more acceptance from Shadow when there is chaos between Malik and Grizzer. Maya's focus on Aidan has slightly reduced, allowing Aidan more freedom to run and wrestle with Denali without getting grief. Aidan did enjoy the two young maple trees planted in the enclosure last week, although after his initial tugging, the trees remained and they don't seem to be a focus anymore, although one is a bit tilted, the root systems are intact, and the recent rain should help the trees flourish.
If you get a chance, listen to the podcast posted for May 2009 (it should be available by mid-week). The podcast talks about the Vermilion Community College Ethology course observation data. Maya has some interesting data changes between 2007 and 2008, primarily her role in leading the pack howls, and parallel walks with nearly all the other pack members. She is a very intense dominant female, and it appears we made the right decision not getting a female pup in 2008.
Written by Planning For Pups Program participants Dena Arntzen and Lauren Parker: Before Saturday's enclosure enrichment program, Aidan and Shadow shared a bonding moment on top of the den. The enrichment program brought a great deal of excitement to most of the pack, especially the yearlings. Aidan had great success! He fished beaver feet popsicles out of the pond searched all around the enclosure for other tasty surprises. After everything was eaten, Aidan continued to search, especially in locations where he had success during the program. This activity of going back to the same locations shows a complexity in his cognitive process.; he is able to associate those locations with the presence of food.
Written by Planning For Pups program participants Sharon Herrell and Kathy Kerns: The What's For Dinner program was being presented by the educators in the auditorium and lasted longer than usual. The wolves were aware of their weekly meal coming in. Grizzer anxiously pawed and jumped at the fence as he awaited the food. When delivery of the food was delayed he, in frustration, began chewing on the log. He would continually look towards the fence to see if the food was coming.
Written by Planning For Pups program participants Dana Pond and Karen Pajari: An enclosure enrichment resulted in intense excitement among the pack. After this excitement, Shadow spent time patrolling the enclosure and scent marking, especially around the pond. Shadow moved to a guard position on the hill next to the fence by the public entrance. He then disappeared into the backwoods area. Later in the day, other pack members reaffirmed their acceptance of Shadow as the dominant wolf by walking in a parallel gait with him.
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