Donna Prichard (wolf nanny) writes: The pups continue to grow and exhibit more and more wolf behaviors. Their bodies are also beginning to take on the shape of adults. Shadow continues to show some sign of fear when large groups of people come too close, so I step in to calm him down. On the other hand, Malik is more bold and does not seem to show any fear of people. Malik and Shadow have been displaying caching behaviors and aggressions over food. This week, Shadow began shaking food items, such as an adult wolf would with a hare, for example. Both pups have definitely displayed unique individual characteristics which define them. Being a nanny has been a wonderful, enlightening learning experience. I hope to return to the wolf center often to see Malik and Shadow in their roles of ambassador wolves.
MALIK: Weight: 32.0 lbs. Length: 51.0" Canines: 1/2" SHADOW: Weight: 32.5 lbs. Length: 51.0" Canines: 1/2" (an adult canine continues to emerge within his mouth) Observations include: -Shadow has been distracting Malik to take possession of food items which he desires -The pups recently joined in a howl with the adult wolves; both pups ran to the fence to greet the adults -Eating rocks resulted in stomach stress and x-rays for Malik; two rocks were viewed in the radiograph; one rock was passed and Malik is now acting normal and is currently being monitored -Malik and Shadow have portrayed added aggression over food items such as deer and moose legs -Shadow's nose scab from last week is healing well -The pups, daily, seem more and more interested in the adults and their behaviors
June 2, 2000 The pups made their semi-weekly visit to the vet on June 2 to get weighed and checked. The blue-collared pup weighed in at 5 pounds and 11 ounces and the red one weighs 5 pounds and 7 ounces. This is a typical weight gain of wild pups. They now measure 21 inches from the tip of the tail to the nose. Both of the pups are moving faster with a good trot if they smell their formula. In addition, they are begining to enjoy the outdoors more by wandering away from the handlers about ten feet and then returning shortly thereafter with a series of whines for reassurance. They will be taken outdoors more each day to simulate what they would be doing by their den in the wild. They are playing more with each other with play biting and growling which begins the survival training process.
One thing we can say about Malik, he's determined. Even with Shadow showing strong dominance and Grizzer participating in a Malik chase at least once a day, Malik still shows a high tail. But, he keeps a watchful eye on his brother's location.
Meds to all, Malik submissively rolled over for Nancy Jo Tubbs, and allowed her to scratch his underside. This positive conditioning towards submission makes medical examination easier and is encouraged whenever possible, but staff must be cautious to avoid being in close proximity of the other wolves when making an individual submit. Malik and Shadow take advantage of each other when either is in a submissive posture. Staff are instructed to not get in the middle of this situation, as the wolf on the ground tends to spring up snapping with canines. The retired wolves are much more likely to submit, but MacKenzie and Lakota have the same issues. MacKenzie is still the dominant female in the pack and doesn't like being submissive in front of Lakota.
Malik tries to cache a rawhide outside in the soil. Pups seem eager to go into the auditorium for presentations.
Pups have their first extra long day, starting with a photo shoot, then four programs* and ending with a VIP Presentation which lasted until 9pm. A cowlick was noticed between Malik's eyes, reminding me of Lakota.
Good visit with all wolves today; cleared scat/straw from Retired enclosure. Malik was very nervous in pack holding area today, jumping to escape. His head reached the top bar of a 10 foot fence. Staff, please monitor the use of the pack holding area. After releasing Malik, the holding area gates were left open to allow the wolves a chance to freely enter and leave the enclosure. Staff threw meatballs in the enclosure to encourage the wolves to come in and out. Malik seemed more relaxed when he had the freedom to leave on his own.
There are no significant behavioral issues to report this week. All wolves seem to be enjoying the fresh snow which seems to fall daily. The only issue is the depth of snow and the height of fences (especially the retired enclosure). The wolf care staff are continually shoveling the winter waterers, paths and gates to ensure that day to day operations can continue. This week's log photos are reminder's of the days, months and years of care that's been delivered at the IWC. When winter arrives (as it has this year), the work can sometime seem overwhelming. Staff often talk about the good old pup days (we forget how much work pups are when the snow flies) Enjoy the pup pictures…
Malik and Shadow are weighed once again. Both continue to gain muscle and body strength. Four pounds were gained per wolf since July 1st. MALIK Weight: 19.5 lbs. Length: 39" (tip of nose to end of tail) Canine length: 1/2" SHADOW Exact same stats as Malik ! Nancy Weiss writes: (first Pup Nanny for the summer) "The pups beauty is striking. Muzzles are already lengthening and their noses are large. Their eyes are round, curious and fringed with delicate lashes. Their faces are exotic and elegant. Their feet, my gosh, are already huge. Their oversized feet and long muzzles combined give them a winsome, cartoonish appearance. Malik noticed a butterfly today (7/8/00). They're both paying more attention to living things, objects, other humans and of course, the adult wolves."
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.