Part II discussion… All of this interaction is natural wolf behavior. In the wild, wolves need to cooperate, work together in a pack to hunt efficiently. If there wasn't a clear order of who is in charge (rank order), chances are they would be less successful in hunting prey and would ultimately not survive. So this rank order behavior in captivity has a strong instinct motivated by survival in the wild. Wolves don't act in the same terms as human emotion, fairness or kindness are terms relative to humans. Wolves are motivated by instinct and behavioral traits, some are born alphas, and some are born omegas. The pack dynamics that occurs is not stagnant. If one of the yearlings becomes vulnerable, they may loose rank, it is difficult to predict and is subject to change. The wolves physical and psychological care is the top priority for the International Wolf Center and we hope visitor's to the Center learn a greater understanding of wild wolf behavior from the lessons of Lakota, Mackenzie, Lucas, Shadow and Malik. We don't view Shadow and Malik as unkind; they are merely acting like wolves, the same way that we didn't view Lakota as unkind when she was going after Mackenzie. I know it is difficult to view this from the wolves' perspectives rather than humans but these pack members are the ambassador's to the wild wolves and they are showing us a glimpse of wild wolf behavior.
I know I promised not to say this again, but Maya is the sweetest wolf to work with. Nyssa may have another opinion as Maya can be somewhat intense when dominating, but she sure is tolerant of the human social companions. Maya is very skilled at the small details that go on within the dynamics of the wolf pack. In this photo, you will see Maya with the direct eye contact technique to control Nyssa's behavior.
Shadow's behavior since the pups introduction has been remarkable. He's much more tolerant of the human handlers than he's ever been, he clearly spends time interacting and disciplining the pups and he takes his role of defending the enclosure more seriously than ever. Groups visiting the enclosure may see defensive barkhowling behavior first hand. He is relentless and often doesn't quit until the groups are escourted back into the building. A great educational moment for visitors.
Snow depth in front of viewing window drifting in and high enough for wolves to climb on and start paying more interest in the roof line of the building. Vermilion Community College Natural Resource students lock wolves in holding pen and shovel banked snow in front of the window. Wolves released and spent several minutes scent marking the recently moved snow. Roof lines no longer an issue thanks to Vermilion Students…
Shadow spent most of the week reasserting his role in the pack. He was observed riding up on Grizzer and forcing him to the ground to submit. He also had several noisy, intense dominance bouts with Malik. But, despite all this, he seems to be tolerating the wolf care staff well, and is enjoying the cold, snowy weather. He was observed in play with the pups several times, before turning back into the pack disciplinarian.
Meds to all, Malik submissively rolled over for Nancy Jo Tubbs, and allowed her to scratch his underside. This positive conditioning towards submission makes medical examination easier and is encouraged whenever possible, but staff must be cautious to avoid being in close proximity of the other wolves when making an individual submit. Malik and Shadow take advantage of each other when either is in a submissive posture. Staff are instructed to not get in the middle of this situation, as the wolf on the ground tends to spring up snapping with canines. The retired wolves are much more likely to submit, but MacKenzie and Lakota have the same issues. MacKenzie is still the dominant female in the pack and doesn't like being submissive in front of Lakota.
MacKenzie and Lucas dominance over Lakota, MacKenzie bit Lakota's front and rear legs causing Lakota a slight limp on the rear and licking on the front leg. This may have started over Lakota defending a deer from Lucas and MacKenzie.
Good greetings to all, Meds, and Ivermectin to all wolves. Garlic given to Arctics – Arctics using holding area without problems.
Mackenzie and Lucas had much more interaction today. They were observed face licking, with Mackenzie on her back, Lucas would then roll on Mackenzie and then they would reverse rolls. Near the end of the 15 minute display, Mackenzie was observed resting her chin on Lucas's neck. Overall the wolves seemed very relaxed today.
Malik tries to cache a rawhide outside in the soil. Pups seem eager to go into the auditorium for presentations.
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.