Pup programming begins today. *The pup's participation in each program lasts approximately 20 minutes. For their comfort and protection, during the programs they are in a fenced pen approximately 6' square. The sides of the pen are 4' high. The pen has been outfitted with wood chips, rocks, and evergreen branches to simulate natural conditions for the pups during the time they are in front of International Wolf Center audiences. The pups are "on their own schedule" and the staff follows their lead with regards to entering and leaving the pen. If the pups exhibit behavior indicating that they would prefer to leave the pen, and the program, they are permitted to do so. While in the pen, the pups are free to play, display natural behaviors, sleep or move about the pen. Rather than being carried into or out of the pen, the pups are encouraged to enter and leave the pen with play toys, food etc. The staff has found it challenging to come up with new things to place in the pen to interest the pups. A long string with pieces of deer hide attached has been successful in getting their attention when it's time to go back outside.
MALIK: Weight: 25.5 lbs. Length: 45.0" Canines: 1/2" SHADOW: Weight: 26.0 lbs. Length: 45.6" Canines: 1/2" Observations noted -Shadow is showing more fear towards loud noises (LS) -Lucas and Mackenzie played near pup pen and both pups retreated with a tucked tail -Both pups are still enjoying the use of a moose leg during auditorium presentations -Malik continues to exhibit caching behaviors, burying bones and other foods underneath the soil for later use -Noted increased dexterity and coordination in both pups -Noticed Shadow performing a full head shake with a deer hide in his mouth -The pups seem much more aggressive with each other when food is involved -Both pups now have 28 teeth One morning I noticed Lakota standing beside the pups, seperated by a fence, whining for thirty minutes straight
MALIK: Weight: 28.0 lbs. Length: 47.0" Canines: 1/2" SHADOW: Weight: 29.0 lbs. Length: 47.6" Canines: 1/2" (an adult canine is emerging within Shadow's mouth) Observations noted this week: -Shadow's permanent upper left canine broke through early this week -Both pups eyes are now changing from blue to yellow -The pups have been weaned. Formula is no longer added to their food -Malik chewed on fallen hail during a recent thunderstorm -Malik continues to submit to us when greeting -Both pups have been easily excited over a deer leg within the auditorium enclosure -Shadow received a small scratch on his nose from Malik; the scab is healing well
Rene Woodworth (wolf nanny) writes: It is now Saturday morning, July 29, 2000. This is my last day as a nanny to the Arctic wolf pups, Shadow and Malik. This past week has been fascinating because of the time I have spent with the pups and Wolf Curator, Lori Schmidt. I thank them for allowing me a glimpse into the world and mind of the wolf. How lucky we as humans are to still have the wolf as a connection to the wilderness and the wonder of our Earth. Malik and Shadow will soon be joining Mackenzie, Lucas, and Lakota. I think the pups have become young adults this week. Shadow is more confident and Malik is beginning to submit when greeting. Their characters are forming quickly, as they develop the behaviors which will allow the pups to join the adult pack. I will miss them very much.
Nancy Gibson writes: The two male pups had their first vet visit on May 22. They looked quite "vigorous" according to the vet. Their weights have increased to 3.5 pounds for the red-collared pup and 3.8 pounds for the blue-collared wolf. Their collars had to be loosened one notch to accomodate their rapid growth. The diet has increased to 15 ounces of formula per day. Their eyes fully opened on May 20 at 12 days of age and they cut their front teeth that same day. The other sharp puppy teeth have emerged since then. Vocalizations have increased substantially the last two days, however their hearing has not developed yet.
Feeding Program was very active this evening. Malik and Lucas were on the carcass together. Lucas barred his teeth and growled whenever Shadow approached. Shadow appeared submissive and walked away, lying nearby watching Lucas and Malik eat.
Sherry Jokinen (wolf nanny) writes: Being a Arctic wolf pup nanny has been a very rewarding and heartwarming experience. Each day there was something new, whether it was a change in the Wolf Center schedule, a pup behavioral observation or a new interaction. I will never forget being a part of their world or the socialization process. Malik and Shadow may not remember me in the future, but I am content knowing that they will hold a place in my heart forever. I have a great respect for the Wolf Center and the people who work there. You can see their commitment and dedication to education, public awareness, and keeping the animals best interests as a top priority.
Shadow is known as the red pup and Malik is known as the blue pup. May 24, 2000 The wolf pups continue to make great strides in their growth. The body length from the tip of the nose to the end of the tail is 18 1/2 inches for the red collared wolf and 18 3/4 inches for the blue one on May 24. They have begun to hear certain high pitched sounds which corresponds with their ears starting to stand up. They tend to play with each other more before feedings with one of the pups trying to dominate over the other to establish a social order within the litter. This "pecking order" will change constantly. The vocalizations have increased with the blue collared pup howling in response to whining noises by one of the handlers and the red collared pup growled for the first time on May 24. All of this development will serve the pups well in their struggle to survive.
May 25, 2000 The wolf pups made their second visit to the veterinarian on May 25 to get weighed. The blue collared pup now weighs 4 pounds 1 ounce and the red collared one weighs 3 pounds 14 ounces. That means they have quadrupled their weight in 17 days which is typical of wolves that need to grow rapidly in order to survive. Wolf pups need to be able to travel with the pack by the fall. Their diet is up to 18 ounces of formula per day. The vet also began their worming routine on May 25. The pups still sleep the majority of the time however they are beginning to sleep apart. They are most active right before their scheduled feeding time.
May 30, 2000 The puppies visited the vet again on May 30 to get their weights checked and they continue to thrive with a steady weight gain. The blue-collared wolf weighs 4 pounds 13 ounces and the red-collared wolf is just slightly behind at 4 pounds 9 ounces. They are both walking well with their feet completely underneath their body. They spent part of the holiday weekend outside but they didn't travel much beyond 6 feet from their handlers. This is typical of wild wolf pups that would start to explore the immediate area around the den once they could walk. Their light colored underfur is now noticeable around their head. Their fur will start to lighten all around their body the next two weeks until they are almost blonde. The red-collared pup joined his brother for a howl on May 28.
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.