Evening Feeding program, Malik and Shadow on carcass initially, both then chased Lucas from deer. Eventually, Shadow did lie down near the carcass and Lucas approached the carcass. As Lucas approached the deer, Malik barred his teeth and growled, but Lucas continued to eat, appearing submissive.
Malik still favoring left hind leg, but tolerant of a physical exam. Other wolves seem to be indifferent to his limp. Good interactions between wolves and handlers today. Mackenzie still grabs Lakota's tail and drags her off the rock when handlers are close to the rock. Lakota, generally retreats to den without further incident.
Lucas is doing well, he's started shedding more than his sisters. He still likes to maintain his status of the top ranking male (only male), in this week's photo, Lucas is doing a raised leg urination (RLU), but his aging hips requires that he leans a bit on a stump.
Incident Report for Wednesday July 31, 2002 MacKenzie 6:15 a.m. Submitted by Karen Skiba, Wolf Ethology Student – July 28th – August 2nd, 2002 Upon staff arrival at 6:15 a.m. Curator, Lori Schmidt found MacKenzie cowering in front of the entry gate between Malik and Shadow. MacKenzie had urinated on herself. She was snarling and snapping at Malik and Shadow, with T4 (tucked) tail and ears back. She made no attempt to move. Examination revealed bite wounds to the left rear paw, and a canine bite to the abdomen. The abdominal bite measured approximately 2 inches in length and 1/4 inch width and depth. Shadow was moved to holding – see his log dated 7/31/02
Shadow was moved to the pack holding area at 6:30 a.m due to a bite wound to MacKenzie and aggressive behavior on his part. The goal in removing Shadow from the pack to the holding area, was to allow MacKenzie time to recover psychologically from the intimidation inflicted by Shadow and Malik. This move may allow her to manage Shadow with more confidence when he's released and allows the Center management team to discuss the current aggression toward Mackenzie. Shadow's move to the holding enclosure was without incident. Shadow's demeanor in isolation was relaxed, ears forward, he demonstrated interest in the activity around his enclosure. He enjoyed a bath when the tub was filled with water. No distress noted.
All but Shadow brushed, wolves are really starting to shed. All but one of Shadow's ears received fly ointment. CVC to all, Mackenzie's eye looks irritated and is walking around with it shut.
CVC's to all wolves, replaced Lakota's water. Ivermectin for heartworm treatment. Lori Schmidt pulled Shadow and Malik into the pack holding area and gave them some extra time and grooming. The garage shell is finished and stained, so there should be limited work going on around Lakota's pen.
Part 2 of the rationale to remove MacKenzie: d. Shadow is behaving like a normal, healthy, young wolf. Continued isolation from the pack is not well documented or studied. This strategy may have short term benefits, but could result in increased aggression from Shadow toward the rest of the pack if done too frequently or for extended periods of time. (photo of Shadow from Winter 2001) e. Shadow and Malik are young, and just as in the wild, they are the future of the pack. Their continuation in the pack is important. f. Removal of MacKenzie from the pack will likely be permanent. Her role as a dominant female limits her future reintroduction back into the pack. A decision to remove her must be carefully considered and recognized as permanent. The management of the situation between MacKenzie and Shadow is under careful consideration and study. The health of the individual wolf, and the health of wolf pack will be included in the management decision. The International Wolf Center staff is committed to the quality of life for the wolves in captivity, and the educational effort to help the public understanding of wolf dynamics. Your interest and understanding is appreciated.
Feeding program tonight, prior to feeding, Mackenzie tucked her tail when Shadow approached. Her rear haunches were wet as if she was mouthed by the other wolves. Intern Susan Ely did report that Mackenzie was barking at the Arctic wolves near the east end of the enclosure and they did appear to be harassing her. Mackenzie relaxed with contact from Jen Westlund and Nancy Jo Tubbs.
CVC's to all, Mackenzie still has slight discharge from eye, but it looked clear. Continue to deliver eye drops every day, they seem to be helping. While Mackenzie's thyroid test was negative, there appears to be the start of cataracts in both eyes. There is a concern about Mackenzie's ability to maintain a dominant status with impaired vision. The Arctic wolves have been observed in higher tail position around Mackenzie.
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