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…
Lucas seems to the wolf showing the most signs of aging. His movements are slowing down and his face is fading lighter and lighter as the weeks go on. He still holds his own if his sister's get too obnoxious, but he spends most of his day resting in his den box. With Lakota a bit physically off on Friday, he did take advantage of a Lakota free deer carcass and had his fill for dinner.
People often comment on the hides of the wolves, especially the arctic wolves. Malik and Shadow do have a thicker coat, with longer, more flowing guard hairs than the other subspecies. We take an additional step in nutrition by adding a daily multi-vitamin to the wolves diet. This supplement seems to help, as this week's picture of Malik shows a wolf with a very smooth, glossy coat.
Maya has certainly been a great animal to work with. Staff enjoy watching her develop as she finds her place in the pack. One thing noticeable is the strong social relationship she and grizzer maintain. Some research suggests that there's a tighter bond between genetic packmates than with other members of the pack. This seems to be the case when observing the three pups. Grizzer and Maya are true litter mates, while Nyssa is a cousin to them. Although, Grizzer and Nyssa have special momements as well. Grizzer just likes to roll around with another wolf, he's not too particular.
Meds to all; arctics bouncy and good greeters to staff today. Lucas was dominating MacKenzie with high tail and riding up on her twice and shadowing (following her extremely close) for approximately 2 minutes. MacKenzie submissively rolled over for Lucas. All retired wolves submissively rolled over for greetings from handlers. Tension between MacKenzie and Lucas subsided as the wolf check went on."
1-5-04 "In an effort to increase the tolerance of the arctic wolves toward strangers (in preparation for the increase number of people in the wolf yard for the nanny program next summer), Curator Lori Schmidt has been conducting special Behind the Scenes visits. The retired wolves seem very willing to see the groups, with the exception of MacKenzie who is a bit skittish, probably due to her restricted vision. The arctics tend to me much shyer toward strangers. Their response varies from tucked tail and intimidation at the fence, to an all out bolt up to the upper enclosure. They seem better when Curator Lori Schmidt is in the pen or near them, but they still show anxiety. Shadow has taken to bark howling in defense or warning toward the groups. Dr. Les Lynn and his students from New Jersey visited the Center and took a Behind the Scenes tour. Shadow bark howled when the group was outside, but had a good greeting with Lori after the group went back inside.
Lucas had some deer hair stuck between his teeth and noticed a possible enamel problem on one of Lucas's incisors. He was very willing to allow Jen Westlund to clean his teeth. Lucas appears to be tripping over logs today, his balance seems to be a bit off… Staff should monitor this closely.
All wolves received Rabies and Parvo/DHLPP vaccinations today administered by Wolf Curator, Lori Schmidt and Program Specialist, Jen Westlund.
All wolves received Rabies and Parvo/DHLPP vaccinations today administered by Wolf Curator, Lori Schmidt and Program Specialist, Jen Westlund.
Puppies on site today, weather was rainy and damp. Staff will wait until the weather improves to bring the pups out to meet Shadow and Malik.
The International Wolf Center advances the survival of wolf populations by teaching about wolves, their relationship to wildlands and the human role in their future.