Shadow had several observations where he was lying in the back of the enclosure defending his food. This is a new behavior for him, generally food possession was Malik's strongest behavior. It's always apparent when Shadow is physically feeling good, he has a spring in his step and a whirl behavior that is often the actions of younger wolves. It may be a reflection on this uncharacteristically warm weather. In previous winters, we would have had several nights below zero by now. In recent week's, we have rarely been below 10 degrees. That's probably pleasurable for wolves nearing 12 years old, even if they are Arctic subspecies.
Shadow aggressively mobbed Lakota, then the pack (including Malik) aggressively mobbed Shadow. Lucas has been showing more dominance of Shadow and seems to team up with Mackenzie to dominate Shadow.
What's for Dinner program went well. A full deer carcass was fed and the pups continue to maintain control over food. Shadow was observed aggressively grabbing the deer carcass by the neck as if trying to kill it."
Saturday night feeding program- Lakota approached carcass that Shadow and Malik possessed. Shadow began biting Lakota's rump and throat with intensity. All other wolves then came down and mobbed Lakota. Shadow dragged Lakota about 10 feet by Lakota's tail. Lakota retreated to den.
In an effort to allow the wolves to investigate the Retired Enclosure after the loss of Lakota, the pack has been given supervised access to the Retired Enclosure several times in the last week. It is great stimulus for the pack, and is critical for Shadow and Malik, who are the next set of retirees. Shadow was extremely confident with a high tail and a lot of marking behavior. He did enter and exit the enclosure several times through the gate system, but was very relaxed and had a good series of visits. Retirement for Shadow and Malik could be several years away, as Shadow is a strong dominant male, but anything can happen in a wolf exhibit, and we want to make sure that our next set of retirees are as comfortable in their surroundings as the 1993 litter. A YouTube video was posted with the activity in the Retired Enclosure.
Shadow is having a good winter. Our management plan of keeping the wolf yard clear of strangers really helps him out. We have noticed an increased tolerance for the back door entrance, although he does still spend some time watching this area when we are open to the public. He and Maya have begun some courtship behavior, even though the wolves are spayed and neutered, the wolves do display similar bonding behavior as a mated pair. Shadow continues to show the pups their place in the pack and doesn't appear to favor a pup, they both get the same dominance displays.
Former wolf curator Janice Templeton arrived to assist with the medical exams. The adult wolves were extremely excited about her visit, as well as a positive response from the puppies. Staff readied preparation for medical exams inside auditorium.
Wolf Curator, Lori Schmidt helped KDLH-TV 3 Duluth, MN news film a segment updating the progress of the Arctic pups. The pups were very curious at the makeshift photo port at the east gate.
On a weekly basis, we allow the wolves access to the Retired enclosure to explore, this is good stimulus for the pack, and allows us to complete projects in the Exhibit enclosure without the inquisitive nature of pups. The wolves line up at the gate, and run straight through the chute to be the first to enter. What’s been most interesting is Shadow is usually the last one to leave. He is very relaxed in this area, and would prefer to stay and explore, while the shorter attention spans of the pups want to go back to the Exhibit and see what wolf care staff have done. This is very reassuring for the comfort of Shadow in retirement will be critical to his acceptance when he eventually is retired. Although, if you watch his video, that is not looking like a scenario in the near future. A new YouTube video has been posted showing scenes from the early winter in Ely.
I hope everyone has a healthy and happy New Year. The wolves are all doing well and are having a calm winter. We have not experienced temperatures in the sub zero range, which usually drives a bit of wolf aggression. We would like to announce that the Pup Care Program Applications are online at www.wolf,org. Select the Programs Tab, click on Educational Programs and you will find the applications under the Seminars title. We are adamant that special training and an understanding of wolf behavior is critical before interacting with wolf pups. This program is only available to individuals who have been previously involved in the pup care program or who have participated in the Planning for Pups prerequisite seminars offered during the summer of 2011 or 2007. Applications will be accepted until February 1st, and teams will be assembled and notified by March 15th.
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.