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"
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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.
Staff fed Lakota 4 lbs of meat with several cups of warm meat slurry. Lakota is still using the upper den hole as her primary area of concentration, but she if frequently seen moving throughout the upper enclosure.
Shadow is doing well. He's still extremely tolerant of the puppies actions, although he does have his limits and disciplines them. In this week's photo, Grizzer is jumping on Shadow's back. Shadow put up with it for a while, but as Nyssa's expression indicates, he's about to put an end to Grizzer's play bout.
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