All wolves got good attention from staff today, Mackenzie was very relaxed rolling over on her back with full extension of her legs in the air. Lakota was observed moving around the enclosure with more freedom than previously observed; Limited aggression between wolves."
MacKenzie is enjoying the cooler weather. She was very relaxed with wolf care staff this morning and did a full submission within 5 feet of the Morning with the Pup program. When we say full submission, we mean, legs up in the air, pawing straight up in the air seeking attention. Staff noticed that her right eye is showing signs of cell growth similar to her left eye. Staff are anxious to see the results of the medical exams this fall. Other than her eyes, she is doing extremely well. This cooler weather makes the retired wolves act like 2-year olds. The high today was 52 degrees farenheit.
This is the new format for the wolf logs. Each wolf will have a status report on a weekly basis. Please be patient as we reconnect the links from the old wolf logs and develop new data. What can I say about MacKenzie… She is aging gracefully despite an eye condition that has left some lipid deposits affecting the cornea. She will have a medical exam in October to attempt to reduce the advancement of these cells. She is still dominant over Lakota and occasionally has been observed rolling Lucas over on her back as well.
The cooler, rainy days have been a relief for MacKenzie. She seems more active than previous weeks, and has been observed in several dominance displays over Lakota. During the Behavioral Observation orientation session, rather than watch the slide show, the team observed many of the behaviors we were coding from the live-feed video camera in the retired enclosure. Her eyes seem less irritated with the cloudy weather we've been having. A new treatment of ointment has given her some relief.
Shadow very submissive to Mackenzie through the fence, very relaxed and calm, probably the response of the Chlomipramine. Staff fed Shadow a deer at the same time that the pack got a deer carcass on Saturday night. He still seems comfortable with his surroundings and is very relaxed when wolf care staff approach and interact with him in holding. Mackenzie's confidence has returned; She now approaches Shadow and readily shows dominance between the fence, but there's still the issue of Malik and Lucas attempting to dominate Mackenzie, we've only observed this a few times, but we want to watch the dynamics of Lucas and Mackenzie before we introduce Shadow. The November 5th scheduled release of Shadow back into main pack is postponed for another week, to allow more investigation of Chlomipramine use in wolf facilities and to give Mackenzie an additional week to heal and gain status. Chlomipramine is discontinued after today's dose.
Mackenzie appeared skittish and sore (stiff hips) with the recent snow (yesterday 3 inches). There was no noticeable injury, but seems to be the same response to cold last winter. Hip x-rays taken on Mackenzie in April 2001 didn't indicate any signs of dysplasia, actually Dr. Hanson said everything looks good. This could just be age related stiffness, Mackenzie, Lucas and Lakota were 8 years old in April, 2001. We will start Mac on Cosequin® which combines glucosamine HCl and chondroitin sulfate for maintaining optimal joint function. I want to thank year 2000 Wolf Nanny Dr. Carolyn Davis, who donated the Cosequin
Much cooler today, wolves seemed more active. Didn't apply ointment because of cooler weather. Vitamins were given to all wolves (daily routine), began supplementary feeding Mackenzie, 10 lb.. of beef due to her shyness toward the viewing windows at the feeding program. Mackenzie hasn't been actively feeding at the time of the programs and by the time the program is over the yearlings have eaten most of the carcass. Lucas and Lakota seem to be able to deal with the program much better than Mackenzie. Supplemental feeding will be continued on an as needed basis."
Mackenzie very dominant over the yearlings. Construction work started in the pen for the new pond. Wolves were held off for the entire day behind the temporary fence. When the wolves were returned back into the main enclosure, they became very interested in the electrical box that was installed yesterday. Wolf care staff hauled several loads of rock to deter digging. The pond will be a welcome source of stimulus to focus the energies of the yearlings. We anxiously await the start and completion of this project.
Mackenzie very dominant over the yearlings. Construction work started in the pen for the new pond. Wolves were held off for the entire day behind the temporary fence. When the wolves were returned back into the main enclosure, they became very interested in the electrical box that was installed yesterday. Wolf care staff hauled several loads of rock to deter digging. The pond will be a welcome source of stimulus to focus the energies of the yearlings. We anxiously await the start and completion of this project.
Second day of holding pen use for fence construction, wolves seemed more stressful today, with Shadow becoming extremely nervous when a visitor on crutches came to the fence. Shadow's anxiety caused Lakota to begin pacing and both wolves were given an additional dose of sedatives to relax them. Mackenzie and Lucas slept most of the day and Malik seemed to follow their lead. Construction projects with wolves can never be predictable and are generally kept to a minimum. This is the reason the temporary fence was built to hold the wolves in the back of the exhibit during the main construction which may last 21 days. The wolves are likely to be more relaxed in the back acre of woodland than the 100 foot holding area.
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