Pups were weighed on Sunday August 13th and Shadow weighed 38 pounds with Malik weighing in a 37 pounds. Another weight will be recorded on Saturday, August 19th, which will also be the first pack feeding of a complete deer carcass. The Ely staff are all looking forward to that day and will provide detailed notes of the interactions.
The most noteable issue with Malik is his change in behavior toward the pups. When the pups were first introduced, he was a bit hesitant towards dominanting the pups, and often avoided them or ran from them if they became too intense. In contrast, Shadow pinned them to the ground on a regular basis. As the pups grew, Malik was getting a significant amount of attention from Grizzer. Now that the Grizz is as tall as the arctics, Malik seems more inclined to deal with them rather than run from them. This means we're seeing more dominance behavior from Malik. This week's photos show Malik defending a possession from the pups. Maya submissively moves away while Grizzer and Nyssa stay on the possession.
Again Maya's observations include reference to her dominance over Nyssa. On the 1st of December, staff write "Maya mounted Nyssa and held her while growling – observed twice in 5 minutes. Maya tail posture in T1 position (over the back erect) while Nyssa's tail was in T3 (low between the haunches). Shadow approached, but did not intervene"
While Nyssa is getting more dominance from Maya, it doesn't seem to stop her dominance bouts with Grizzer. If Grizzer is standing by himself, Nyssa will usually come over and start something. This can meet grabbing him by the scruff or taking a bite of his hind quarters and running away. Depending upon Grizzer's mood, he may chase her, but he's not as quick as she is. Nyssa usually runs circles around Grizz. Nyssa is still timid around new things and new people, but she readily greets staff at the fence. On the 4th of December, staff note a pack mobbing of Nyssa (all other wolves on Nyssa), Nyssa tucked tail and ran from the group.
Lakota is doing well, she seems to get more active every day the temperatures reach below zero. She springs around the pen jumping at low hanging tree branches and the occassional wolf care staff hat. It's hard to believe the sick, anorexic wolf at Thanksgiving is the same lively burst of energy we see today. Wolves are incredibly remarkable in their ability to heal and overcome adversity. The thick hides of the wolves are well designed for the Minnesota Winter.
Lucas termed the "old man" by wolf care staff continues to show the greying hide indicative of his age. He enjoys the warmth of the den boxes more than the other wolves, and will often be found curled up in the deep straw beds in the box. Staff has noticed Lucas becoming more social, actually greeting wolf care staff with a lick in the face. This was a rarity when he was younger; but he seems to enjoy the handler contact as he ages.
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…
Started Mackenzie on a 5-day topical antibiotic for her right eye, she is reluctant to have Curator, Lori Schmidt apply ointment, but eventually allows it.
Evening feeding program, Malik and Shadow claimed the carcass at first, very quiet feeding. Curator, Lori Schmidt howled and whole pack responded.
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