KARE 11 filming of pups went extremely well, with camera access to pups in pack holding pen away from the adults. Malik grabbed wind cover off the camera microphone, creating a slight aggressive encounter with the Wolf Curator when she tried to retrieve it. Otherwise, the filming went extremely well.
Feeding program went well, Lucas and yearlings are on carcass. Lakota acted very submissive when Shadow approached her, Malik was later observed food begging from Lucas who responded by chasing him away.
Feeding program went well, Lucas and yearlings are on carcass. Lakota acted very submissive when Shadow approached her, Malik was later observed food begging from Lucas who responded by chasing him away.
Vitamins to all wolves, Lakota very submissive around the yearlings and avoided the front of the enclosure until vitamins were fed. Staff filled Lakota's tunnel since electrical contractors need to be in the front of the enclosure wiring for the pond.
" The pups are coming into the auditorium four times daily for Meet the Pack Presentations. The Nannies are the motivational force behind the puppies scheduled appearance at the programs, and they are finding this task to be harder than it looks. The challenge to socializing the pups is the creativity necessary to keep their lives in captivity and more specifically, their program routines, as stimulating as possible. The pups are extremely intelligent and curious. When they get bored, they get restless want to move on to something new, they don't care if they still have 10 minutes left to an educational program or a scheduled appearance. During the first week of pup programs, the Nannies have tried the following items to positively condition the puppies to the routine and to keep them stimulated throughout their busy schedule: Venison Steak/Pronghorn Steak Hamburger Deer Hide (which provided their first scats with deer hair) A Kong (chew-toy) filled with meat Cow Hooves Bird feathers Ice cubes in the water Birch Logs A tray of dirt More Birch Logs Balsam Boughs Rawhide chews Pigs ears Pine Cones A piece of deer hide on a leash (to lead the puppies back to the pen) A Moose leg Of all the items listed, the most stimulating to the pups would have to be the Moose leg, unfortunately, too much of a good thing may be trouble. The pups exhibit guarding behavior of the moose leg and don't want to leave the building without it, but at this time, they can't quite lift it. This week, we plan on using a deer leg to give the puppies a chance to carry their rewards back to their enclosure with them."
Richard W. Gould (wolf nanny) writes: Typical wolf behaviors observed this week included: jaw sparing, aggression related to food, full head shakes with "prey" items, caching, scent rolling, and howling to the adult pack. Malik showed submission to Lucas (our resident male) at the fence by rolling over and exposing his belly while Lucas whinned on the other side. It has been an experience of a lifetime to be able to participate in the nanny program and see these adorable pups progress towards the magnificent adults that they will soon become. It was also awesome to share conversation and photos with Dave Mech and Nancy Gibson (the "First Nanny").
MALIK: Weight: 28.0 lbs. Length: 47.0" Canines: 1/2" SHADOW: Weight: 29.0 lbs. Length: 47.6" Canines: 1/2" (an adult canine is emerging within Shadow's mouth) Observations noted this week: -Shadow's permanent upper left canine broke through early this week -Both pups eyes are now changing from blue to yellow -The pups have been weaned. Formula is no longer added to their food -Malik chewed on fallen hail during a recent thunderstorm -Malik continues to submit to us when greeting -Both pups have been easily excited over a deer leg within the auditorium enclosure -Shadow received a small scratch on his nose from Malik; the scab is healing well
Shannon Stehman (wolf nanny) writes: What can I say? How many people get to experience this kind of hands-on care and socializing of wolf pups?!? It has been an honor and a privilege to have the opportunity to lay in the dirt with pups and massage them from head to toe. Thank you to Shadow, Malik and Lori Schmidt (Wolf Curator) for one of the most unique experiences in my life.
Rene Woodworth (wolf nanny) writes: It is now Saturday morning, July 29, 2000. This is my last day as a nanny to the Arctic wolf pups, Shadow and Malik. This past week has been fascinating because of the time I have spent with the pups and Wolf Curator, Lori Schmidt. I thank them for allowing me a glimpse into the world and mind of the wolf. How lucky we as humans are to still have the wolf as a connection to the wilderness and the wonder of our Earth. Malik and Shadow will soon be joining Mackenzie, Lucas, and Lakota. I think the pups have become young adults this week. Shadow is more confident and Malik is beginning to submit when greeting. Their characters are forming quickly, as they develop the behaviors which will allow the pups to join the adult pack. I will miss them very much.
MALIK: Weight: 32.0 lbs. Length: 51.0" Canines: 1/2" SHADOW: Weight: 32.5 lbs. Length: 51.0" Canines: 1/2" (an adult canine continues to emerge within his mouth) Observations include: -Shadow has been distracting Malik to take possession of food items which he desires -The pups recently joined in a howl with the adult wolves; both pups ran to the fence to greet the adults -Eating rocks resulted in stomach stress and x-rays for Malik; two rocks were viewed in the radiograph; one rock was passed and Malik is now acting normal and is currently being monitored -Malik and Shadow have portrayed added aggression over food items such as deer and moose legs -Shadow's nose scab from last week is healing well -The pups, daily, seem more and more interested in the adults and their behaviors
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.