The hazard tree that tipped over and lodged into another tree was removed by chainsaw last week. The wolves were placed into the retired area with the exception of Malik, and were very stimulated by the fresh sawdust and the branch pattern. Grizzer seems most interested in the residual stump, and attempts to climb on it. This will be a good winter stimulus, as snow will likely accumulate on the remaining branches, giving the appearance of a snow cave.
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Maya has been observed in many social moments with Shadow, rubbing shoulders and doing some intense muzzle licking. This behavior will increase as the season advances. Shadow is receptive, but sometimes dominant towards Maya. Maya continues to keep Aidan in a subordinate, restrictive mode, but there are times when the two are observed in social greetings.
Shadow has been showing some increased dominance and growling behavior, even towards staff. This is common for this time of the year, but not so common for a wolf this age. Shadow and Malik were 9 1/2 years old on November 11th, and Shadow shows no sign of weakness. When Lucas, the former dominant male, was this age, he was often backing down and avoiding confrontations with the arctics. Of course, the difference is, Shadow and Malik didn't have the intense ritualized dominance that Aidan and sometimes Denali face from Maya. The yearlings were shown their place in the pack throughout their maturity, and that will inevitably help Shadow hold his position longer.
Karen Pajari spent 3 days observing the pack after Malik’s retirement and provided the following observations. On the night of Malik’s retirement, Denali displayed the most whining at the fence line toward retirement, and he appears to be responding to the change in dynamics by increasing his testing of Grizzer. He was observed in several jaw sparring events with Grizzer, with both of them riding up on their back legs to use the full force of the front legs. Denali trots around the yard freely with a confident T2 tail posture. His behavior and attitude seems active, alert, calm, and feisty – his tail is up and his ears are pricked. This month’s Podcast will review the USDA incident report concerning the aggressive incident that prompted Malik’s retirement and the subsequent management challenges
Karen Pajari spent 3 days observing the pack after Malik’s retirement and provided the following observations. The tension in the Exhibit pack is much calmer, but Maya continues to be aware of Aidan’s location at all times, occasionally stalking him and chasing him, although the chasing was at a lower level than prior to Malik’s retirement. She joined in every episode of howling, and showed interest in the fence line toward Malik with the other pack mates. It does appear that Maya is showing more dominance to Denali, but this is usually not initiated by Maya, but more in response to Denali’s behavior. This month’s Podcast will review the USDA incident report concerning the aggressive incident that prompted Malik’s retirement and the subsequent management challenges
Denali has mastered the foreleg stab, and the Youtube video this week shows that it is applicable in all situations, to all wolves. Every wolf has a personality, and Denali's is sure one of curiosity, testing and overall activity. He certainly has the attention of all the pack members, but he does show boundaries, especially to Maya when she's defending food.
Grizzer has been very social with the pack, showing most activity with Denali, but spending time wrestling with Aidan. He is still very respectful of Shadow, even when Denali isn't. Grizzer is much more relaxed since Malik's retirement, and has initiated many social chases throughout the wooded area of the enclosure. Staff are watchful of Grizzer's interactions with Aidan. At this time, they are just social wrestling, but Grizzer is starting to follow Maya when she chases Aidan, and we want to make sure the excitement level is controlled.
Karen Pajari spent 3 days observing the pack after Malik’s retirement and provided the following observations. Aidan continues to spend most of his time very close to wolf den or resting on the den, constantly watching for Maya. The warm trend over the last several days has resulted in more panting, but when wolf care staff comes near the den he does relax and seeks them out. When Shadow walks by, Aidan greets him excitably, but he is reluctant to join in on howling since howling bouts create excitable dominance from Maya. If Maya is too intense, Shadow does come over to the interaction, not necessarily intervening, but observing. If dynamics changes over the winter and Shadow is retired, it will likely change the relationship between Maya and Adian. This month’s Podcast will review the USDA incident report concerning the aggressive incident that prompted Malik’s retirement and the subsequent management challenges
Malik was placed in retirement on Tuesday, November 17th, after some intense aggression that originally started with Grizzer, but was quickly joined by all the other pack members, including Aidan. While there were no serious injuries, a consultation with the Center’s veterinarian, and discussions among wolf care staff, it was decided to retire Malik before the aggression intensified. This means, that Malik will be in retirement alone until Shadow shows signs of weakness. Since the retirement, staff have been very conscientious about spending additional time with him. Malik still has some anxiety when the main pack is active, definitely showing the psychological aspect that he needed a break. We will give Malik some transition time before we install webcams on the enclosure, any change to his situation right now can be stressful. It will take some time to develop protocol that is best for Malik’s situation, and these discussions are ongoing with wolf care staff. This month’s Podcast will review the USDA incident report concerning the aggressive incident that prompted Malik’s retirement and the subsequent management challenges
Maya has been showing some strong pair bonding behavior with Shadow, rolling in the snow with him, and generally sleeping closeby. Staff have observed some minor incidents of pairbonding between Maya and Aidan, which could explain why Aidan's so much calmer this week. Maya clearly is a dominant pack leader, and her scent marking as well as interaction with all pack members is always interesting to observe.
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