Vermilion Community College student Damon Hann, who works at the Center as an assistant to the curator wrote the following behavioral observation. " When I first greeted, Lucas and Malik were the only ones who came up to the fence. Several minutes later Mac came down to greet. At this point, Lucas showed aggressive dominance toward Mackenzie. This got the other wolves stimulated and Malik and Lakota came after Mackenzie. Mac stood her ground and chased them away. At this point, she went over to the pack holding area and followed Shadow along the fence and she was growling, snarling and barring her teeth to Shadow with much ferocity. Several times, as Mac was chasing Shadow along the fence line, Malik would come from behind her and try to bite her in the hind quarters, I (Damon) called Malik over, and Mack continued her aggressive dominance toward Shadow (between the fence as Shadow is still isolated). Shadow was also showing aggressive growling and fence biting toward Mackenzie, but not nearly as intense as Mac was. Mac eventually stopped with Shadow and then she chased Lakota around. Lakota did not stand her ground and she fled every time Mac went after her. I held Malik's attention at the fence so he would stay out of it.
To those of you who are concerned with Lakota as the lowest ranking pack member, she is doing well. The increased dominance on the pups by the alpha's has given Lakota a bit more freedom in the enclosure, since Shadow is being watched more closely by Mackenzie.
Shadow had several episodes of threat display howling at the Pups at One Year group. He takes is job as pack leader seriously. It's difficult to calm him down when he gets this way, the best wolf care staff can do is distract him.
Written by Diane Glenny: I remember Nyssa best sleeping between two rocks unde the nanny cam or in the den with Grizzer. It was a privilege to know her and help her to enjoy her short life. I believe that she is happy and will always be with the pack in spirit.
The cold weather in the middle of summer, was a nice opportunity for Lakota to run and play bow at Mackenzie during the morning. In the afternoon, the hot weather made them go inside their den boxes. This is one of the rare pictures of the three of them inside their dens. Later, Lakota became active again and continued to dig in her favorite den.
This week's logs demonstrate the good health of the retired wolves. All the wolves still consume the deer and beaver regularly given. On special occasions treats such as bison bones, moose bones or beaver tails are given as stimulus. MacKenzie demonstrates the strength she possesses in breaking open bones and eating the bone marrow.
Wolves fed scraps of meat and bone donated from local deer hunters. Lucas chased Ravens off the scrap pile, then becomes playful toward puppies and stimulates them to chase him. When Lakota chases him and bites him, he puts an end to the interaction." Malik gets dominated more severely, since he doesn't end interaction as quickly as Shadow.
Lucas is fairing well, no signs of Vitaligo (a previously diagnosed pigmentation condition) this winter. Three Beaver (higher fat content needed in cold weather) were fed to the Retired Pack today; Lakota generally tries to get them all under her control and will defend her food from everyone including staff. Due to the cold weather, we redistributed the Beaver so all wolves were able to possess some food."
Pup programming begins today. *The pup's participation in each program lasts approximately 20 minutes. For their comfort and protection, during the programs they are in a fenced pen approximately 6' square. The sides of the pen are 4' high. The pen has been outfitted with wood chips, rocks, and evergreen branches to simulate natural conditions for the pups during the time they are in front of International Wolf Center audiences. The pups are "on their own schedule" and the staff follows their lead with regards to entering and leaving the pen. If the pups exhibit behavior indicating that they would prefer to leave the pen, and the program, they are permitted to do so. While in the pen, the pups are free to play, display natural behaviors, sleep or move about the pen. Rather than being carried into or out of the pen, the pups are encouraged to enter and leave the pen with play toys, food etc. The staff has found it challenging to come up with new things to place in the pen to interest the pups. A long string with pieces of deer hide attached has been successful in getting their attention when it's time to go back outside.
MALIK: Weight: 25.5 lbs. Length: 45.0" Canines: 1/2" SHADOW: Weight: 26.0 lbs. Length: 45.6" Canines: 1/2" Observations noted -Shadow is showing more fear towards loud noises (LS) -Lucas and Mackenzie played near pup pen and both pups retreated with a tucked tail -Both pups are still enjoying the use of a moose leg during auditorium presentations -Malik continues to exhibit caching behaviors, burying bones and other foods underneath the soil for later use -Noted increased dexterity and coordination in both pups -Noticed Shadow performing a full head shake with a deer hide in his mouth -The pups seem much more aggressive with each other when food is involved -Both pups now have 28 teeth One morning I noticed Lakota standing beside the pups, seperated by a fence, whining for thirty minutes straight
The International Wolf Center advances the survival of wolf populations by teaching about wolves, their relationship to wildlands and the human role in their future.