Staff have really noticed a change in Malik's behavior. Shadow was clearly more dominant in all of his previous interactions until recently when Malik was observed being more aggressive in his response to Shadow and in some cases, instigating an intense dominance display. Shadow still seems to be the arctic in charge, but Malik still thinks he deserves a shot running this pack.
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Nyssa is doing well. Staff have noticed more play in her step lately. When staff approach, she demonstrates a play bow, then springs up and runs toward them in a more playful mode. This could be influenced by Maya's end of her estrus cycle or just the timing of approaching spring, when the more aggressive hormal cycles tend to calm down. Regardless, Nyssa seems to be fitting in better with staff and wolves alike.
Grizzer is doing well. As March advances, the aggression between the arctics and the females is decreasing. Grizzer is now back in the loop for more play activity. On Saturday, March 5th, Staff photographer Sherry Jokinen and former assistant curator Damon Haan visited the exhibit. All wolves were very excited to see them, especially Grizzer. He had two more humans to test for status. So far, he responds well to a quick pinch of the lip to calm over stimulated pup behavior.
Lakota has been very healthy since the last dose of antibiotics. Staff can always tell when she's doing well, she springs up to greet and starts a chase scene with the other wolves. The trees in the enclosure take a beating as well, as she always seems to grab a low hanging branch in the process. In looking at a photos from a few winters ago, I'd say they faired this winter better than most. Is it possible to reverse the aging process?
Lucas is the wolf that seems to truly enjoy the comforts of a denbox. He's often seen curled up in the warm bed of straw provided by staff. He still comes out to greet, but as soon as staff are finished in the enclosure, it's back to the boxes for him. The depth of snow in the pen has made for a great wind block and the mid-day sun shining on his face seems to be an added bonus.
Board Member Nancy Gibson and Dave Mech were in town for a Board Meeting today, their log reads "Peed on by all except Lucas" In the wolf world, that means happy to see you again.
When Shadow came out of the holding pen, Lucas extended his hackles and growled and intently stared at Shadow, but did not physically dominate him. Shadow ignored Lucas and carried on with eating meatballs thrown over the fence. Lucas came over and was pushed out of the way by Shadow and backed off."
Dave Mech and Nancy Gibson visited the wolves, all went well. The pack is always excited to have them visit.
Malik and Shadow turned 2 years old today, Lakota was pacing and digging with construction yesterday, Vermilion students spent the day with her and she was extremely relaxed. The secret is to have staff available to distract her when the noise and construction get to be too much.
Malik and Shadow have had their fair share of canid discussions about who's really running this exhibit pack. A canid discussion is a bit different than a human discussion. There's not alot of small talk. It consists of some eye contact, a bit of body posturing, and if that doesn't do it, then a growl in your face should make you change your mind. If the growl doesn't do it, then I need to jump on you and show you who's in charge. The amazing thing about this winter, is with all the growling and dominance, there hasn't been one bite wound. Earlier in the winter, we thought Shadow had the top wolf status locked, but Malik has decided that Shadow can't get off too easy. In the last month, Malik has been showing some very defiant behavior. They're still brothers though; after a dominance bout that would make observers wonder if they even like each other, they can be found sleeping on the same straw bed. Brothers, go figure…
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