shadow – Sep 29, 2008 12:00 AM

Shadow still holds a strong dominant position in this pack. The work we are doing on the Retired Enclosure is partly to enhance the remaining time Lakota has with us, but also to prepare for the inevitable retirement of Shadow, but at this point, that doesn’t seem likely. The most impressive social relationship in this whole group appears to be Shadow and Aidan. It is apparent in his facial postures that Shadow is tolerant of the pups, and especially Aidan. He uses controlled muzzle bites when dealing with them and is always quick to stop when the pups submit. It doesn’t seem possible that someone will take his status, but he is 8 years old, going on 9. This is old for a wolf in the wild, and about the time that captive wolves start to show their age. This is why any wolf over 6 is on a glucosamine supplement, anything we can do to maintain joint health will increase the lifespan of a wolf on exhibit.