So sorry for the delay in the wolf logs. Preparation for the Wolf Symposium in Colorado Springs has taken a bit of my time. In addition, protocols and contingency plans during my absence need to be written to ensure that every possible wolf emergency is covered. International Wolf Center members and former nannies, Brian and Ellen Dietz will be driving up from Illinois to spend the weekend at the Center assisting with any pack issues that may arise. I am most grateful for their offer to help keep an eye on the pack. I plan to feed a large deer carcass to both packs on Thursday night prior to my departure. A full wolf is usually a sleepy wolf. Dr Chip Hanson and wolf care staff Matt Fetterer and Jim Ziburski will be monitoring the pack as well.
This week's wolf logs were written by program participants in the 10/28-10/30/05 weekend program called "Working for Wolves", in which participants performed enclosure enrichment and maintenance projects in both the Retired and Exhibit enclosures. Written by Kristy Raines: As a participant in the Working for Wolves weekend, I was able to observe wolf behavior in response to the changes made in their enclosures. When the retired pack was moved to the holding pen, Lucas displayed the most agitation, pacing continuously around the pen. He would settle down only briefly when wolf care staff provided distractions for him, such as deer meat. This picture represents his usual behavior of carrying his food around the enclosure numerous times before eating or caching it.
Today during wolf care, the retired wolves were very active and spry. Due to the overnight snowfall, fresh straw was placed in the retirement enclosure in the den boxes and in Mackenzie's "corner". The wolves always seem to enjoy rolling in and exploring the scent of fresh straw. This resulted in Mackenzie, Lucas, and Lakota chasing each other around the enclosure, which wolf care staff throughly enjoyed watching. It is always good to see the retired wolves so active, especially as they age.
Today during wolf care, the retired wolves were very active and spry. Due to the overnight snowfall, fresh straw was placed in the retirement enclosure in the den boxes and in Mackenzie's "corner". The wolves always seem to enjoy rolling in and exploring the scent of fresh straw. This resulted in Mackenzie, Lucas, and Lakota chasing each other around the enclosure, which wolf care staff throughly enjoyed watching. It is always good to see the retired wolves so active, especially as they age.
Lucas has completely shed his winter undercoat and is maintaining a sleek, physique. He has been actively feeding on carcasses and competing with Lakota who generally eats everything in sight. It appears that he actually likes the warmer weather, I think it feels good on his old bones. He's still most often found in the den boxes in the exhibit.
Lucas's eye condition is greatly improved this week. We also noticed a brighter look to his eyes and a willingess to see out contact from fellow staff members as well as fellow wolves. He's created a new bed underneath the remaining spruce branches from a recent tree felling. Wolf care staff will be placing straw there to make him more comfortable. The cooler mornings have created a bit of stiffness for him, but by mid-morning he's moving around well.
Lucas actively greeted Donna Prichard when she came in for a check today. He had much more social interaction with Donna than he has with the regular wolf care staff all month. He seems to be much more active today and less focused on the Exhibit Pack. Behaviors of individual wolves can change on a daily basis.
Lucas continues to enjoy the den boxes, despite Lakota's effort to bury them in her excavated dirt pile. He's had to shift to the far box to avoid flying dirt and to get in the doorway. The wolf care staff plans to level off Lakota's pile, but she seems to be enjoying the height advantage it gives her. She can climb on the pile and climb on top of the den boxes, so for the meantime, Lucas will just have to live with the 3rd house on the right.
Lucas seems to be more inactive than Mackenzie and Lakota, especially during hot days like yesterday. It is not easy to deal with temperatures of 93 F with the dense undercoat they still have. Wolf care staff helps with the shedding by combing them every morning. But as you can see, sometimes they need to keep cool inside their den boxes.
Lucas seeks the comfort of the denbox and has spent most of the in it. Lucas is thoroughly enjoying the retired life. He took possession of a frozen turkey that was confiscated from Maya during a enclosure enrichment session. Maya was less than thrilled about losing her turkey, but needed to save room for her beaver later in the day.
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.