The 8 am wolf check had actual temperatures of 15 below zero with a windchill reaching 45 below zero. It was the coldest day for wolf care this year, but that's when wolves need their handlers the most. Nancy Jo Tubbs and Lori Schmidt conducted a one-hour wolf check. Lakota seems to continue to have a tendon problem on her left foot, probably magnified by the cold temperatures. In a closer examination of her toe, she appears to be holding her middle two toes together and is sensitive to touch. There was no indication of ice build-up or pad injury, but her toenail on the 3rd digit is longer than the others. This may indicate a problem that has been restricting her weight distribution for several weeks. It may just be the combination of cold weather that makes it more painful where she holds up her foot. Dr. Chip Hanson, the Center's veterinarian was consulted and Lakota was started on an anti-inflammatory, Rimadyl, for a 5 day period. The hope is that by reducing the inflammation and irritation, she may allow for a more thorough examination.
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Assistant Wolf Curator (for the summer), Damon Haan came to visit the wolves this weekend. Sherry Jokinen was also on site to photograph the arctics. The arctics are always excited to see them. There appears to be a bit of mid-winter dominance between Shadow and Malik, but no significant issues have occurred. The retired wolves weren't scheduled for any photographs, but enjoyed the attention from Sherry and Damon.
Meds to all, Shadow and Malik took awhile to come down from the top of the hill – they appear to be preoccupied with something at the top of the enclosure. A cougar attack on a horse occurred a few miles from the Center this week, while an enclosure check revealed no tracks around the pen except deer and squirrel, the smell of deer carcasses could certainly draw in wild predators.
Good visit with all wolves today; cleared scat/straw from Retired enclosure. Malik was very nervous in pack holding area today, jumping to escape. His head reached the top bar of a 10 foot fence. Staff, please monitor the use of the pack holding area. After releasing Malik, the holding area gates were left open to allow the wolves a chance to freely enter and leave the enclosure. Staff threw meatballs in the enclosure to encourage the wolves to come in and out. Malik seemed more relaxed when he had the freedom to leave on his own.
There are no significant behavioral issues to report this week. All wolves seem to be enjoying the fresh snow which seems to fall daily. The only issue is the depth of snow and the height of fences (especially the retired enclosure). The wolf care staff are continually shoveling the winter waterers, paths and gates to ensure that day to day operations can continue. This week's log photos are reminder's of the days, months and years of care that's been delivered at the IWC. When winter arrives (as it has this year), the work can sometime seem overwhelming. Staff often talk about the good old pup days (we forget how much work pups are when the snow flies) Enjoy the pup pictures…
There are no significant behavioral issues to report this week. All wolves seem to be enjoying the fresh snow which seems to fall daily. The only issue is the depth of snow and the height of fences (especially the retired enclosure). The wolf care staff are continually shoveling the winter waterers, paths and gates to ensure that day to day operations can continue. This week's log photos are reminder's of the days, months and years of care that's been delivered at the IWC. When winter arrives (as it has this year), the work can sometime seem overwhelming. Staff often talk about the good old pup days (we forget how much work pups are when the snow flies) Enjoy the pup pictures…
There are no significant behavioral issues to report this week. All wolves seem to be enjoying the fresh snow which seems to fall daily. The only issue is the depth of snow and the height of fences (especially the retired enclosure). The wolf care staff are continually shoveling the winter waterers, paths and gates to ensure that day to day operations can continue. This week's log photos are reminder's of the days, months and years of care that's been delivered at the IWC. When winter arrives (as it has this year), the work can sometime seem overwhelming. Staff often talk about the good old pup days (we forget how much work pups are when the snow flies) Enjoy the pup pictures…
Shadow seems to be the dominant wolf of the pack. Last winter, without the influence of the pups, there wasn't really a need for a dominance rank order. The pups have changed everything; for the better as far as Shadow is concerned. Shadow has shown much more confidence than previous years and he is often seen initiating play behavior with the pups. Staff have noticed Shadow more willing to greet and stand for short examinations. Shadow still is a bit intolerant of stranger's. Recent Behind the Scenes tours have resulted in Shadow barkhowling toward the groups with a slightly tucked tail. When groups leave, Malik usually spends a bit of time testing Shadow's vulnerabilities, but Shadow comes out on top.
Former Nanny and photographer Sherry Jokinen came to visit the wolves today (why is it no one visits the wolf care staff?) The arctics were so excited to see her, especially Shadow. We had a good visit, and she photographed some great dominance behavior. Retired wolves were very excited to see Sherry as well. Lakota's still holding her foot a bit stiff, Rimadyl is continued.
Good interactions with all, Shadow approached Lakota and Lakota initiated a play bow. Shadow did not chase, nor did he show any aggression toward Lakota. This is the first time in several weeks that Lakota has initiated play with the yearlings, although her tail was tucked the whole time.
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