During the recent incident between Grizzer and Malik, Shadow was not extremely agitated or defensive in any way. He remained calm during the separation, vet inspection and reintroduction period. This helped us gauge the issues related to keeping Malik in the pack. As humans, we tend to let emotions cloud our judgment, and it was critical that we had a good assessment of the situation, as to what was best for Malik. Staying in the pack and maintaining social relationships is best for any wolf, isolation in retirement is not the best case scenario, nor was it appropriate to change the entire dynamics of the social group by retiring Shadow, just so Malik wouldn't be alone. We took Shadow's lead, and kept the pack together, and observed Shadow taking the lead in controlling the yearlings and Grizzer when the pack was back together. We are more alert to the subtle interactions between the pack, but we take the lead from Shadow, the pack leader.
Written by Workin' for Wolves participant Andi Nelsen: During this weekend's working for wolves program, participants did some final preparation for the retired pen in anticipation of Shadow and Malik's eventual retirement. Sound barriers were placed on the far back fence, trees were planted, the bottom of the pond was treated with a compound to prevent slipping, and a visual barrier was placed on the top line of the fence. Despite all the noise and activity Shadow only started to bark howl once, showing less stress about the strangers in his yard than on previous programs. Since the construction has started in the main building and the entrance was moved closer to the wolf pen, Shadow has been showing his protective nature by monitoring the activities near the new entryway. He spent a bit of time observing the working for wolves workers, but soon was back guarding the main entrance. He continues to be very tolerant of the yearlings, often engaging in play behaviors as observed in the photo, and giving reassurance to both Aiden and Denali. He seems to enjoy the interaction while still maintaining lead status of the pack. As is often the case with Shadow, he made a very limited appearance at the Saturday night feeding, instead preferring to watch from back in the enclosure. On Sunday morning there was little evidence of Saturday night's deer; all wolves appeared sated and very relaxed.
Shadow continues to show all the signs of a strong dominant leader. He is confident when there are interactions among the subordinates, he is sought out by the yearlings, who clearly show submissive posture to him. He lets the yearlings know their place, and he guards the pack from the perceived threat, the temporary new entrance door while the Center Exhibit is under construction. We look to Shadow to give us signs that the behavior we are seeing between Malik and Grizzer is becoming a problem. So far, Shadow responds with no anxiety, or increased dominance towards either. This helps keep the yearlings calm and out of the mix. It is a good thing that the yearlings take their lead from the dominant male.
Shadow continues to posture himself on the hill by the temporary building entrance. He doesn't like the crowds so close to the enclosure. While he's occupied with guarding this side of the enclosure, he doesn't appear to be showing anxiety or weakness over the situation. We're watching for signs of tucked tails and flat back ear postures. Signs of anxiety could be perceived as a weakening of his status to the rest of the pack, and could encourage someone to start testing, but as you can see by the video, Shadow is clearly in charge.
Written by Planning For Pups program participants Dana Pond and Karen Pajari: An enclosure enrichment resulted in intense excitement among the pack. After this excitement, Shadow spent time patrolling the enclosure and scent marking, especially around the pond. Shadow moved to a guard position on the hill next to the fence by the public entrance. He then disappeared into the backwoods area. Later in the day, other pack members reaffirmed their acceptance of Shadow as the dominant wolf by walking in a parallel gait with him.
With summer brings heat, humidity, large crowds and various forms of stimuli for the wolves. While Shadow typically chooses to eat without a crowd watching, he was the first on the carcass at this week’s feeding, grabbing onto it and pulling it away as the rest of the pack approached. He defended it briefly and then remained to feed as the rest of the pack joined in. During the Canine Cousins program today, the stimulus of two visiting dogs (belonging to Assistant Curator Donna Prichard) instigated a pack rally led by Shadow. Following the rally, Shadow reasserted his dominance over the yearlings, Aidan and Denali, as they solicited attention and reassurance from Shadow.
Written by "Pups at One Year" program participants Ann Powell and Annette Good: This week there were three enclosure enrichment programs which serve the purpose of creating additional stimulation for the pack. This week one of the enrichment programs was meat based, one was scent-based, by adding Catnip and Fish Oil to various items throughout the enclosure. The third enrichment program centered around two watermelons, two cantaloupe and two honeydew melons. Each melon had a core removed, small bits of sausages were stuffed into the center and the core replaced. Shadow used his paws to roll the melons and then carried them around the enclosure as well as some scent rolling; however as shown in this weeks photo, the grin behavior he is demonstrating shows that he enjoyed Thursday's scent enrichment. He scent rolled many times on the areas where the catnip was used, the fish oil did not seem to be as stimulating for him.
Shadow is handling the construction well, but he's been a bit anxious about the Behind the Scenes programs. Shadow's response to stress is to dominate, so the program influence is probably reinforcing his status. We do have a concern that his anxiety would be perceived as a weakness, and other wolves would pick up on it, but at this point, when he is stressed, he does a hard muzzle bite and everyone submits, including Maya.
Shadow didn't get a meal of deer legs this weekend, thanks to Malik and his great ability to steal and guard a possession, so individual feedings of chicken and beef continue. Shadow doesn't seem to mind, it's quiet time with the staff, and other than the issue of keeping Malik distracted so Shadow can eat, the staff enjoy the time as well.
The log postings are all the same this week, we have a Working for Wolves program this weekend and will post some behavioral observations from participants on Sunday. The Exhibit Pack is doing well, despite the increased aggression that is typical of the first cold and snow of the year. Both packs received straw on their dens which is always a source of initial excitement, but also encourages bedding behavior. Malik's abscessed tooth has healed, as his photo shows no indication of the scar. Shadow continues to take small portions of food on a daily basis with a peak of interest when the weather turned cold.
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