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August 4, 2008
The two newest additions to the International Wolf Center's ambassador
pack, Aidan and Denali were successfully introduced this morning to the adult wolf
Exhibit Pack in Ely, Minn. Aidan and Denali, two gray wolf pups, were born on April
27 at the Wildlife Science Center in Forest Lake, Minn. The pups have been receiving
round-the-clock attention from wolf care staff since their arrival at the Center on
May 9. Their public debut at the Center began on May 23, in programs such as, Pup 101,
Behind the Scenes, Elderhostels and Pup Summer Camps.
Socializing wolf pups requires the staff to spend 24 hours a day with them during
the first two months of their life, with the hours gradually scaled back in the month
prior to the pups' introduction to the pack. A socialized exhibit maximizes visitor
viewing. The wolves remain relaxed and inclined to display natural behaviors in front
of the observation window, rather than be intimidated by visitors' presence. Daily
physical and veterinary care can be completed with less stress to the wolf that has
become socialized. To ensure the pups were in good heath, they were given complete
blood panels, conducted by Dr. Chip Hansen from the Ely Veterinary Clinic, prior to
the introduction.
Aidan weighed 3.4 pounds at birth and Denali weighed 3.8 pounds. A little more
than three months later, the pups, have grown to approximately 38 and 41 pounds
respectively. On July 31, as a crucial part of preparing the pups for introduction
to the Exhibit Pack, they were exposed to a large, growly dog. Submitting willingly
but not showing fear, the pups showed that they were ready for integration into the
pack. Aidan and Denali have progressed from vulnerable young pups to vigorous, active
packmates, exhibiting jaw sparring, tug of war, food possession (caching), and squashes,
a behavior identified by one pup laying on top of the other pup to gain possessions or
for dominance, all normal wolf behavior. Aidan has shown considerable interest in the
Exhibit Pack in recent days.
"Wolf care staff were chosen to participate in the introduction based on their
close relationships with the pups and adults. We hoped to keep the wolves' anxiety
low and the adults calm", said Curator Lori Schmidt. Initially, the pups met Shadow,
the dominant male. Maya, the dominant female, was intimidated and would not enter the
pup enclosure. After five minutes, the subordinate males, Grizzer and Malik were allowed
into the pup pen. Shadow immediately displayed dominance over both males when they
approached the pups. "This was a good sign that Shadow was taking a protective role
with the pups. The pups quickly displayed the same submissive behavior we saw last week
during their interaction with the dog", said Lori. Later, Aidan and Denali began to
follow Malik, and Grizzer, with Grizzer showing a higher level of tolerance of the
pups than did Malik.
The complete introduction took approximately 45 minutes. Under the right conditions,
most wolves and wolf packs are very caring towards wolf pups, sharing feeding and
pup-sitting duties and indulging in play. With the addition of the two pups to the
Exhibit Pack, the Center now has, for the first time, three subspecies of the gray
wolf and three age groups-the arctic wolves (Canis lupus arctos) born in 2000, Great
Plains wolves (Canis lupus nubilus) born in 2004 and Rocky Mountain wolves (Canis
lupus occidentalis) born in 2008.
Socialized wolves at the International Wolf Center offer visitors
a glimpse into the traits of wolves, showing the social nature of this top-level
predator. Through its education programs, the Center provides a unique view into
the intricate pack life and social organization that keeps a wolf family together
as a unit.
"Visitors and media are invited to watch the fascinating transformation of Aidan
and Denali from pups to predators and to observe the pack members' uncertain social
relationships unfold over the next several months," Schmidt said.
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ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL WOLF CENTER- The International Wolf Center, founded in 1985, is known worldwide as the nation's premier source for wolf education. The mission of the Center is to advance the survival of wolf populations by teaching about the wolf's life, its relationship to wildlands and the human role in its future. The Center educates through its Web site, www.wolf.org, its ambassador wolves, museum exhibits, on-site adventure and outreach programs and International Wolf magazine. Its flagship educational facility in Ely, MN, 1396 Highway 169, Ely, MN 55731. (Phone: 218-365-4695) is the future home for the new pups. The Center's administrative and outreach offices are at 3410 Winnetka Ave North, Minneapolis, MN 55427.
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