Nancy Gibson writes: The two male pups had their first vet visit on May 22. They looked quite "vigorous" according to the vet. Their weights have increased to 3.5 pounds for the red-collared pup and 3.8 pounds for the blue-collared wolf. Their collars had to be loosened one notch to accomodate their rapid growth. The diet has increased to 15 ounces of formula per day. Their eyes fully opened on May 20 at 12 days of age and they cut their front teeth that same day. The other sharp puppy teeth have emerged since then. Vocalizations have increased substantially the last two days, however their hearing has not developed yet.
Fence construction for the new retirement pen was completed today; there are a few more gates which need concrete. The wolves should be ready to move by Monday, October 21st.
Vitamins and Cosequin to all- ointment to all but Shadow. Staff needs to work more with Malik and Shadow on fly ointment application and getting them more tolerant of brushing. Lakota is doing well since her reintroduction, but the heat and humidity have been keeping them less active.
Vitamins and Cosequin given, Mackenzie's eye looks better. Trying a new fly ointment rather than a cream on the tips of the ears, we started using a wipe on lotion (Pyrethrin) to cover their entire body. The flies have been so intense that the wolves spend some of their time up in the upper enclosure.
Feeding Program was very active this evening. Malik and Lucas were on the carcass together. Lucas barred his teeth and growled whenever Shadow approached. Shadow appeared submissive and walked away, lying nearby watching Lucas and Malik eat.
Assistant Director, Gretchen Diessner did morning CVC. Lakota came down to fence by office without a problem, and then headed back to the upper enclosure when yearlings were released. Yearlings did not go to the top of the enclosure looking for Lakota and all remained quiet.
Sherry Jokinen (wolf nanny) writes: Being a Arctic wolf pup nanny has been a very rewarding and heartwarming experience. Each day there was something new, whether it was a change in the Wolf Center schedule, a pup behavioral observation or a new interaction. I will never forget being a part of their world or the socialization process. Malik and Shadow may not remember me in the future, but I am content knowing that they will hold a place in my heart forever. I have a great respect for the Wolf Center and the people who work there. You can see their commitment and dedication to education, public awareness, and keeping the animals best interests as a top priority.
Shadow is known as the red pup and Malik is known as the blue pup. May 24, 2000 The wolf pups continue to make great strides in their growth. The body length from the tip of the nose to the end of the tail is 18 1/2 inches for the red collared wolf and 18 3/4 inches for the blue one on May 24. They have begun to hear certain high pitched sounds which corresponds with their ears starting to stand up. They tend to play with each other more before feedings with one of the pups trying to dominate over the other to establish a social order within the litter. This "pecking order" will change constantly. The vocalizations have increased with the blue collared pup howling in response to whining noises by one of the handlers and the red collared pup growled for the first time on May 24. All of this development will serve the pups well in their struggle to survive.
Shadow is known as the red pup and Malik is known as the blue pup. May 24, 2000 The wolf pups continue to make great strides in their growth. The body length from the tip of the nose to the end of the tail is 18 1/2 inches for the red collared wolf and 18 3/4 inches for the blue one on May 24. They have begun to hear certain high pitched sounds which corresponds with their ears starting to stand up. They tend to play with each other more before feedings with one of the pups trying to dominate over the other to establish a social order within the litter. This "pecking order" will change constantly. The vocalizations have increased with the blue collared pup howling in response to whining noises by one of the handlers and the red collared pup growled for the first time on May 24. All of this development will serve the pups well in their struggle to survive.
May 25, 2000 The wolf pups made their second visit to the veterinarian on May 25 to get weighed. The blue collared pup now weighs 4 pounds 1 ounce and the red collared one weighs 3 pounds 14 ounces. That means they have quadrupled their weight in 17 days which is typical of wolves that need to grow rapidly in order to survive. Wolf pups need to be able to travel with the pack by the fall. Their diet is up to 18 ounces of formula per day. The vet also began their worming routine on May 25. The pups still sleep the majority of the time however they are beginning to sleep apart. They are most active right before their scheduled feeding time.
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.