If there were a test that we could easily administer to measure prolactin hormone, Shadow would likely be off the charts. He is incredibly social with wolf care staff and very attentive to the pups presence and even the movement of the lab door. Any indication that there's the possibility of a pup, he's up and focused. He is also very defensive with strangers in the wolf yard, and we are trying to be sensitive to this irritation. He's taken on a protective role of the pups . He's fine if wolf care staff handle the pups, but barks a threat display if nannies are with them. While this has caused a change in protocol, we are pleased that he has such a strong behavioral response. I am looking forward to the introduction and believe all indications are positive at this time. We are fortunate to have such a social dominant male.
Shadow is becoming more tolerant of the nannies in the wolf yard, but today, when Aiden was rolled over for biting at someone, Shadow became agitated. The staff continues to exhibit caution when in the wolf yard to ensure that everything remains calm prior to the introduction.
Shadow is getting better with Nannies in the wolf yard, but we did have to alter protocol a bit. To those Nannies who are scheduled to come, the itinerary called for a closing BBQ in the wolf yard, to celebrate a week or weekend of pup work, but unfortunately, Shadow is not so willing to have this kind of activity in the yard, and wolf care staff are stretched so thin, it was a challenge to spare the staff time away from other duties, especially since Lakota needs extra staff time for social interaction. So, nannies will need to do a wrap-up with left over pizza. It is critical that Shadow remains calm and does not get agitated at all this summer, for concern that there's redirection towards the pups. Week # 10 of the Nanny team was carefully chosen to have his most favorite people in the wolf yard. In this week's picture, Shadow is eating from a deer carcass. This is a noteable change from previous summers, it might be the influence of prolactin.
Shadow seems to be focusing his communication towards Aidan. It's interesting to know who howls in what response. Malik rarely joins in, although this week's Youtube will show him in the back of the enclosure with a response. If Grizzer starts a howl, Denali will respond. If Aidan starts a howl, Shadow will respond. If Shadow starts a howl, usually all of the wolves will respond.
There isn't to much new in Retirement. Shadow has decreased his howling bouts and doesn't focus on the pack nearly as much. This is probably influenced by the quiet nature of the Exhibit. Other than some chasing play bouts in the late mornings or early afternoons, Denali and Aidan are very quiet and calm. This calm energy is certainly noticed by Shadow.
Shadow's been a lot more active this week than last week. We have not observed any coughing, and we have an interesting clip on Youtube showing some invite chase/playbow behaviors from both wolves. It does appear that Shadow is becoming less tolerant of Malik's constant testing, one scene from the clip shows Shadow in a full growl threat. Whatever ailed Shadow last week doesn't seem to be an issue. The only clinical signs that we are seeing is an increased water consumption in the enclosure, and it appears to be mostly Shadow. Shadow doesn't have a good drugging history, he typically has some respiratory issues during the process. With this knowledge of his history, we are very cautious to immobilize him without having other clinical symptoms to help determine the cause of his down behavior. We are pleased that he's seeming more alert and interactive and at this point, our course of action will be to monitor and document interactions.
Shadow's doing much better, other than a slight altercation with Malik that left Shadow with a bite to his front right wrist. We were in the pen when it happened and it was a split second grab, but it must have hit a tendon, because Shadow was really favoring it. After a day of rest and the help of some anti-inflammatory medication, he's back up and active today. We did get the signal issues corrected to allow a broadcast of the retired camera to Ustream. Someone had asked the question about moving the camera back for a wider view, but unfortunately, it is mounted on the east wall and it's as far back as possible. They do spend a majority of time either on the den or in the den, so the view should capture them on a regular basis.
Shadow and Maya again appear to be displaying pair bonding behavior such as parallel gating as a dominant pair and a great deal of social behavior. Shadow can still control Grizzer with a threat display. As you can see by this week’s photo, Grizzer is averting Shadow’s gaze. Vulnerability of Shadow is still critical. In this week’s video, you see Shadow responding to an ice chunk in his paw, fortunately staff was in the enclosure and were able to look at it, but the pack did notice.
Shadow’s been getting a bit of testing from Grizzer again as the hormonal cycle of the breeding season reaches its’ peak. Staff are very aware of the impact on Shadow if he’s intimidated in any way. The protocol is to always greet the dominant wolves first unless there’s a change in rank. I think Shadow knows the routine, but Grizzer tends to be everywhere at all times. Shadow may be getting some dominance, but he’s right there to interact with Maya and if Grizzer and Maya are playing, he still stands guard.
The recent snowfalls have changed the mood of the wolves. The snow seems to occupy them with more scents and opportunities for rolling around and enjoying themselves. This change in weather pattern from the weeks without snow is a welcome relief to the staff. The dominance issues have decreased and the pack seems more at ease with each other, often observed in calm play behavior. As you can see from Shadow’s video this week, the Arctic wolves are still not convinced that Grizzer’s given up his testing for status.
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