shadow – Jan 14, 2002 12:00 AM

Part 3. One issue the wolf care staff needs to be aware of is the issue of rank order of wolves and greeting appropriate to rank order. In other words, greet the alpha's first, then the lower ranking wolves. If staff pays a lot of attention to the omega in front of higher ranking wolves, they can cause the higher ranking wolves to redirect aggression to the lower ranking wolves. When staff interacts with Lakota, they should be conscientious of what the yearlings observe. It's best to interact with her in the wooded portion of the upper enclosure or behind some of the rocks in the enclosure. If too much attention is paid to the omega while the yearlings are in the pack holding area, they will chase after her and drive her back up the hill. Since the Chlomipramine, these chases have been short-lived, but are greatly influenced by staff actions.