Wolf Timbers

Ingo Update Page

On this page, we have put up past updates of the wolves. A significant portion of the update page includes updates that the wolf sponsors receive.

Fall Update on Ingo-1999

Ingo (IO) is doing well and is in good health. Since his arrival, we have had a number of interesting events and one particular troubling event that involved IO and Keeley (KY). KY would regurgitate for IO after every meal - this is a parenting behavior that wolves possess. IO, sensing that he could get KY to deliver warm meals, developed this into a habit. KY lost more than 10 pounds during this period while IO continued to gain. We are glad to report however that since the beginning of November, we have not observed this exchange of food between IO and KY. Since IO arrived at Wolf Timbers (8-8-99), he has enjoyed his puppyhood and the special privileges that come with it. He has been observed causing much annoyance of the adults without being reprimanded. Usually the method he uses to harass his older packmates include biting them on the ear, pouncing on them as they are resting and in chases, he will grab a rear leg of the adults - preventing them from escaping. Observing how a puppy is introduced to the pack, how the pup is treated as it grows and matures and finally, observing the behavior of the wolves as the pup emerges from its "protective alpha pup status" to being treated as an adult is really interesting to observe. From all indications, our pack has now entered the last phase of this triad. This means that IO is now beginning to be reprimanded by the adults and we can observe the beginnings of how the hierarchy may for the time being be settled. IO and NA are usually the first to eat while KY waits. However, KY has been observed lately eating with the other two. Both KY and NA have full "power" to move whenever and wherever they want - social freedom, one of the observable characteristics of high-ranking wolves. IO can no longer consistently take food or objects away from the adults without facing a "grumpy" NA or an intense KY. Please read a segment of my notes below for a description of the above scenario. 11/6/99…NA also wanted to get involved and it appeared that he was also tormenting KY. All of a sudden, KY began to growl and took off after IO. KY did not seem to care at that time about anything else except to get at the pesky mass of wolf fur and really teach him a lesson. At this point, NA sensing that this was "fun" also took part in the chase of the pre-teen wolf. I imagine that if IO were caught, he would face a strict reprimand. After about 7 minutes of the two adults chasing the "firecracker" (IO), they were able to corner him against the fence. Although we could not see what happened next, we surmise, by IO actions later, that he was thoroughly chastised and "put into place" by the alphas. After the high-speed chase was over, the adults freely took drinks of water while the accused stood about 10 feet back, watching. As the adults approached us, IO gingerly made his way to get a cool drink. After interacting with the humans, both NA and KY went to rest. It was then, and only then that IO decided that it might be safe for him to approach us". When I compare IO to NA and KY as puppies, IO seems to be on the whole, better "behaved". This is probably the result of IO watching how NA and KY interact with humans. IO has never really lunged at us, having never observed NA and KY do this to us humans on a regular basis. However, the other day, both NA and KY were "excited" to see their human packmates and lunged more than any other time in the previous ten months. IO then began to lunge as well. It was only after observing the adult's lunge that IO then lunged. IO tests very little and does not explore us with his mouth as much as NA and KY did. IO does take the matter of possessions very seriously. When he is able to secure an object from us, he is more difficult to barter with than NA or KY. I can remember when IO very discreetly took a brush from a volunteer one day. We use the brush to clean out the water containers. IO, after securing this brush, made off with it like a kid at a candy store. He ran to the opposite side of the enclosure, bouncing all the way with his tail going a mile a minute. We usually carry small items in our pockets that we can use to barter with the wolves. These items are trivial for us and in case the wolf decided to eat it, are made of material that will not harm the wolves. After we tried bartering with these items, IO still decided that his possession was worthier than ours was. We then decided to barter with a small piece of deer hide. From the expression on his face, he was saying to us "what - for that - are you kidding?" We were eventually able to repossess this brush after we opened the gate to the holding pen - IO ran right in. We have been working with IO more on giving him an object and then allowing him to chew on it for a few minutes and then we will take it away. We do not do this with food, as food is too powerful of a stimulant. We will allow IO to a few bites on this item, usually a folding knife case, only after he has politely asked to. We then will take this away. This teaches IO that these items are not food and that they do not belong to him. We also will do this with enclosure items: sticks, grass, stones and other such items. We then ask IO to sit and if he does, we will give these items to him. We do not take these items away from him because these items are generally not brought into the enclosure when humans come in. It appears that IO has split the differences of NA and KY as far as how he interacts with humans. He does not show the obvious caution around males, as does KY, yet he is not as ready to meet new people as NA is. As with most wolves, relationships between the wolf and the human need to be nurtured and should contain many more positives for the wolf than the human. For the human, just being close to a wolf is usually enough of a reward. With IO, those sponsors and volunteers that "put in the time" are rewarded with a good relationship with IO. As of October 2, 1999, IO weighed in at 65 pounds. He is up to date on all vaccinations and his coat is very thick. Predictions are that he may be larger than NA, we will see.

Winter Update on Ingo-2000

Ingo is well and remains in good health. As of 2/25/2000, Ingo weighs approximately 85 pounds. He has been a wonderful, interesting and amazing addition to our wolf family. He is always good for a laugh and we have to wonder if he will be a perpetual puppy in his actions. With his arrival, we have witnessed many new (in our observations, but not in wolves) behaviors between all three wolves. Ingo is learning how to be an adult wolf - with the help of Nira. The ritualistic displays brought on Ingo by Nira and to a lesser degree by Keeley, were especially noticeable during howl sessions and the recently passed breeding season. We would start howling and the wolves would start whining and join together. It would be at this point that Nira would start guarding Keeley from Ingo. Nira would growl and snap at Ingo as well as exhibit agonistic puckering. If Ingo did not submit, Nira would pin him to the ground and proceed to stand over him, asserting his dominance over Ingo. After a few of these sessions, Ingo learned to keep his distance from the other two during howl time, especially Nira. Ingo also no longer receives puppy privileges over food. Ingo now must wait his turn while Nira and Keeley eat. Ingo seems to encourage human contact. He will walk up to us and lean his body weight against our legs. This is usually an invitation for us humans to scratch him, and he does not care where. He will roll his head from side to side, making sure that the human who is scratching him alleviates all those itchy spots especially around his ears, belly and rump. In fact, Ingo displays a quite comical facial expression when his rump is scratched. He will yawn, wiggle his rear and form his mouth as if he were saying, "oh, that feels so good". Ingo tends to especially seek out human contact after he has tried to invite "a game of chase" from the other wolves and they rebuff his attempts. Sometimes, Ingo will just sideswipe us humans as he is jaunting aimlessly by. The Christmas season arrived with gifts for the wolves. Ruetenik Christmas Tree Farm generously donated leftover trees. We took these into the enclosure and hid the treats that the volunteers had brought out among the branches. Ingo enjoyed poking his nose among the branches, trying to get as many biscuits as possible. On Christmas day each wolf received a 2-½ pound roast, pig ears and various "canine treats". The image that Ingo may portray is that of a "tough guy", but when his true colors come through he is not so tough. Ingo tends to be a typical wolf in being leery of new objects. If a new item is brought into the enclosure, Ingo will jump back a few feet. Once he approaches the object it is with caution and at a slow pace. With Ingo being so cautious it can prove to be a difficult task doing certain things with him. However, Ingo is not that cautious around humans visiting or new volunteers entering the enclosure for the first time. Ingo at times seems to be fueled with some form of "high octaine food". This is evident by his seemingly endless energy level. He reminds us of the Energizer Bunny battery commercial. No matter what, Ingo seems to keep "bouncing on". However, we also think that this same energy was partially responsible for an injury he received on the evening of December 18th, 1999. Nicolette Popa and Michelle Huth were present. Below is an excerpt from Nicolette`s notes: "Michelle and I stood outside and started to howl to gather the wolves. When Ingo came prancing over we noticed an obvious limp. Ingo was favoring his front left leg. Ted Huth then came out so that we could enter the enclosure with the wolves. Nira and Keeley were put into the holding pen and Ingo was inspected. No further signs of injury were noticed. Upon manipulation of Ingo's left front leg, he did show signs of discomfort at his wrist. We then let the other wolves back into the enclosure. Nira and Keeley proceeded to inspect Ingo; obviously picking up that something was not normal. Nira started pawing at him. Ingo sat with his back against a tree and his eyes going back and forth between Nira and Keeley. Ingo knew he would not be able to defend himself much because of his ailment. Keeley then took advantage of the situation and pounced on him. It was then decided to place Keeley in the holding pen for the rest of the night. We kept Nira and Ingo together and no further problems developed. The next morning, Ingo was no longer favoring that leg and it has not knowingly caused a problem since. We did give Ingo some pain medication to help alleviate the discomfort he was displaying." Ingo is learning and adapting quickly to life at Wolf Timbers. He sits and lies for treats, walks up our slanted hickory log, rolls over for tummy rubs and many other behaviors that Nira and Keeley have been doing for two years. An interesting behavior that Ingo exhibits is that he will "mock" what Nira is doing and try to perform those same behaviors. This can be funny at times but at other times, it is pure "peskiness". An example would be when Nira lunges at us, Ingo will follow suite. We are happy that Ingo is here and look forward to see him grow into an adult, although we hope that he does not retain his mischievous actions.

Spring Update on Ingo-2000

Ingo is well and appears in good health, although he is showing the effects of reprimands by Nira and occasionally Keeley in the show of small scars. He currently weighs in at an estimated 95 pounds. He has lost some of his pudgy puppy look and has a more lean, grown-up silhouette. Ingo continues to make us humans laugh with his antics. He is forever on the lookout to snatch from us whatever he can, be it a scrub brush or a fuzzy blue mitten. He enjoys rolling around on the ground and taking a new perspective on the world from this upside down position. Although we aren't sure, he seems to be mimicking Nira in his actions. Again, Ingo can be seen romping about the enclosure chasing things that the older two wolves have given up on. This includes things such as bees, leaves and butterflies. While at Wolf Park, Ingo enjoyed the water. His love of water continues to thrive here. He enjoys "assisting" us while we clean out the water tubs. Of course, in human eyes, he is more of a hindrance then a help. We have noticed that as Ingo has gotten older, his puppy attitude has not changed much. He continues to display his "Dennis the Menace" imitation every chance he gets. Ingo was the second to molt this season, right after Nira and before Keeley. The colorations in his fur are more striking now that his adult coat has grown in. He is a handsome wolf. He appears to be a bit larger then his father, Seneca, who resides at Wolf Park. Ingo seems to have been the recipient of his parent's most complementary features. He has a nice shaped head and lean, solid body. This is partly attributed to his past puppy privileges, which allowed him to eat first and at length. Ingo is now usually the last to eat from a carcass. He occasionally will try to sneak in a nibble before the other two are finished, but this only causes him grief from Nira or Keeley. Nira will give him a warning growl before chasing Ingo away. Although he has the body of an adult wolf, his howl is still growing up. Ingo's howling seems to be stuck at the awkward stage between puppyhood and his new found teenage years. One can only hope that his voice will eventually catch up with the rest of him. Ingo is slowly learning the proper behavior of the wolf social hierarchy. Nira is a good teacher and doesn't let Ingo get away with much. There are many days that Ingo ends up on his back in a very submissive position trying to appease a grumpy Nira or Keeley. Even though it sounds harsh, Ingo is only learning what all pups must learn, and that is where his place is in the pack. He fits in to his rank nicely and seems very content in his world. Many days will find him lounging beneath a Poplar tree, or following an interesting bug. Ingo still greatly enjoys being the center of attention. He will patiently sit while a volunteer scratches any body part within reach. On open days, he finds the visitors very interesting and will stand nose to fence to great them. He has become a wonderful part of the Wolf Timbers family and we are proud and happy to have him with us.

This update on Ingo covers the summer and early fall months of 2000.

Ingo came through the summer and early fall months well. We are unsure of exactly how much Ingo weighs, but our best guess is around 100 pounds. We recently set out to weigh him, but we were unable to do so because of the increasing level of intensity displayed between Nira and Ingo. Ingo is a bit bigger than Keeley but also a bit smaller than Nira. We guess Keeley weighs around 70, Nira around 115 and Ingo somewhere in-between. We have not had a lot of success in weighing Ingo due to his displeasure at being picked up by humans. Even if we were able to weigh him, we would not even do so at the present time. Nira is looking for any reason to discipline Ingo at this time and if we were to pick him up, or even try, Nira would use that to his advantage and what could result would be an unfair mobbing of Ingo. Ingo is doing well (except for being nit-picked on by Nira) and is up to date on all vaccinations, which he received the 18th of August. Dr. Duerr also came out and inspected the wolves. Ingo was given a clean bill of health. Ingo has begun to behave, as a subordinate should. Nira still clearly dominates Ingo. From reading my notes, dated 9/8/2000, you can get a feel for what we are talking about. "…Keeley walked towards Ingo at which point Nira proceeded to agonistic pucker at Ingo. Nira had his tail out and his hackles extended up to his tail. Nira also postured at Ingo (sort of making himself look bigger), a way of calling Ingo`s bluff. Ingo did do a bit better job today of submitting but obviously not enough, because Nira took off after Ingo, caught him and rode on his back for about 20 feet. Ingo stopped, with Nira on his back. Nira was growling at Ingo, staring at his eyes and baring his canines. This was an attempt by Nira to say to Ingo "go ahead, try it". As long as Ingo stood still and did not move, Nira, it seemed, would not go any farther in his disciplining. This lasted for about 30 seconds. Ingo stood motionless and Nira then jumped off of Ingo and trotted away. Nira also turned around a few times to check on Ingo`s attitude". Even though Ingo is being totally and without question dominated by Nira, Ingo still has an attitude of "oh yea? Make me". This is evident by Ingo raising his leg to urinate in the presence of Nira. This 'Raised Leg Urination' is usually reserved for the two alphas in a pack. Ingo is also they recipient of some "ganging up on" by Keeley. Keeley will entice Ingo to chase her and when he does, Nira will get involved and will intercept Ingo, as he is unaware that Nira is watching him. Keeley will then turn around, see that Ingo is no longer chasing her but to find Ingo running from Nira. Keeley will then reverse the role and begin to chase Ingo. Another segment of my notes, written on 9/2/2000, indicate that Ingo`s puppy status is over. Besides Ingo giving us the 'bewildered look' - after getting thoroughly chastised by Nira for doing something a few months ago he was permitted to do, Nira is now defending his food against Ingo - ending Ingo`s "puppy status". Here is a segment of my notes "…threw over apples from the air lock to provide a distraction…Ingo went after Nira's apple and Nira then pinned Ingo to the ground and bared his canines at Ingo. This was very intense. Ingo tried to run away but Nira rode Ingo for about 15 feet, uttering a deep growl at Ingo." It seems that most of the "spats" between Ingo and Nira center around Keeley or food. Also on this day, the wolves received pop cycles for the very first time. This year marked the first year that we had any problem with biting flies on the wolves. We sprayed "fly's off" on the ground and the wolves' scent rolled in it. On October 29th, we had a "pumpkin party" for the wolves. We had people fill up pumpkins with wolf treats and then they placed their pumpkin in the enclosure. The wolves seemed to enjoy this, once they were shown that the pumpkins held treats for them. Ingo is extremely comfortable with visitors and will generally walk up to the fence as he inspects his audience. From all of us at Wolf Timbers, we wish you and your loved ones a safe and happy holiday season.

INGO UPDATE WINTER 2001

Ingo is a wolf with a youthful personality. He is in his "teenage" years and he enjoys bestowing his exuberant energies on Nira - who then, after putting up with this pesky wolf for only so long, becomes grumpy. He is doing better at learning the rules of the wolf but his determined personality sometimes gets him into trouble with his elders. Ingo displayed some interest in Keeley this year during the breeding season. Nira did not appreciate this and attempted to hinder his advances. Research at Wolf Park has shown that there is a period of about one week when the female produces a particular pheromone. Conception has a higher probability of occurring if breeding takes place during this time. The research has also shown that at this time the alpha male will guard and attend the female preventing any other suitors near her. Keeley did her share by rebuffing the young wolf as well. Ingo has tested Nira slightly, but Nira has been able to respond effectively. Ingo is raising his leg on urination in front of Nira, who does not seem to mind. Ingo will eventually become alpha some day - when - we are unsure but he has much to learn before then. One of Ingo's favorite things to do is howl. Many early mornings, mid afternoons and middle of the nights have been punctuated by the young wolf's howls. He will often howl alone, like someone singing along to the radio. Keeley will sometimes join in after a few moments and this will occasionally result in a "wolfie" version of row-row-row your boat. Recently a gentleman from Florida made a trip to visit the wolves and do a photography session with them. Ingo is a very photogenic fellow and we think he actually enjoys getting his picture taken. He will hold still long enough for someone to snap his picture, almost as if he is posing for the camera. Visitors enjoy Ingo's calm reserve when they come to visit. He is often one of the first of the wolves to great the public during a program. Ingo is a healthily young wolf with a muscular torso and build. His coat is full and thick, dappled with different shades of gray, tan and black. Like all kids, he enjoys getting and staying dirty. More often then not we might find him rolling around in a nice mud puddle. He isn't shy about eating, and he will sometimes guard the carcass from Keeley if Nira is not around. All of his vaccinations are up to date and on record. He has an ever-changing character and it has been a pleasure for us to watch as he grows up. Ingo and all the wolves are the reason Wolf Timbers exists, it is our privilege to be able to care for him. As his sponsor, we invite you to come and visit him as often as you like. Please feel free to call us and make an appointment to visit, or just call to see how he is doing. The 2001 season at Wolf Timbers is going to be a great one! There are several new programs in place and also a few howl nights have been added. Hope to see you sometime in 2001!

Spring Update on Ingo-2001

Spring is in the air, and with it comes fresh breezes, blue skies and open season at Wolf Timbers. Ingo is always geared and ready to go for open season. Out of the three wolves, he seems to be the one who is always ready and happy to meet the visitors. Of course, before meeting guests, one likes to look their best. Unfortunately for the wolves, this is not their best time of year for personal grooming. It is the shedding season, and you can tell this by the clumps of fine, soft fur that decorate the ground within the enclosure. Ingo is usually the second to start shedding. The shedding fur and rising, humid temperatures make the wolves "itchy". Ingo likes to remedy this problem by getting vigorous back and rump scratches from the volunteers. His favorite way to approach this is to come over and lean his weight into your leg. It is very hard to ignore a wolf who is trying so hard to act like they don't want a scratch when they really, really do. Ingo is a mature young man now and in excellent condition. His weight ranges between 100-110 pounds. He is a difficult one to register a weight on because he doesn't like to hold still for too long. All of his vaccinations are up to date. Ingo has never been a picky eater and his appetite is a large one. He enjoys trying to "collect" as many treats as possible before sitting down to a banquet of cantaloupe, apples or whatever we happen to be giving them that day. Ingo is usually the second to eat after Nira, leaving Keeley to eat last. Occasionally we have seen Ingo eat first without a problem from Nira. Ingo currently is still submissive to Nira, though at times this seems to be a hard thing for him to do. The wolves at Wolf Timbers recently celebrated their birthdays by throwing a big birthday bash. All of the wolves were born in April. Ingo was born on April 22nd, 1999. Wolf Timbers invited all sponsors and the public to the first annual Wolf Birthday Eggstravaganza. The wolves seemed to enjoy this time, and the highlight was the frozen birthday "cakes". Each wolf received a frozen cake made of chicken broth mixed with ground cooked deer meat. The cakes were then topped off with softened vanilla ice cream and hot dogs served in the place of candles. This was one of the many special programs that Wolf Timbers has scheduled this year. We have had a great year so far, since opening for the 2001 season on May 6th. Many school groups made trips out to see Ingo and his pack during the early part of the year. Ingo will often stand at the enclosure fence and great the children. He seems to enjoy teaching the kids how to scent roll the "proper" way and when he feels like it, will give a rousing performance during a chorus howl. We again invite you to come and visit Ingo. As his sponsor, you have a rare opportunity to visit this handsome fellow and meet him personally. Due to your kind sponsorship, you enable us to care for him and keep him healthy and content. He returns the favor by being his own silly self and helping us show the human world a small corner of what makes up a wolf's world.

Ingo Fall Update -2001

We would like to apologize for the slight delay in getting the Fall updates to you. Needless to say, the past few months have been extraordinary. We all had kids in school who were the class clowns. They were the ones who would put thumbtacks on the teacher’s chair or blow bubbles in their chocolate milk. Ingo could be classified as the “class clown” at Wolf Timbers. Many a day you can witness or experience one of his antics. He enjoys a good roll in the smelliest thing he can find, and then offers to share it with you by rubbing against your leg. This is, of course, not always with your blessing. Ingo also enjoys a good game of “try and get the water hose.” The volunteers are stationed around the hose to keep away any “wolf help” while they clean and refill the water pails. This doesn’t deter Ingo. He never tires of trying different ways to get around the volunteers, but it just never works. Ingo is still submissive to Nira and is ranked as the Beta wolf at Wolf Timbers. Although Keeley is the Alpha female, she is the Omega of the pack. Ingo will still eat before her, and he doesn’t like to share his leftovers. He will even try and snatch Keeley’s treats from her if given the chance. His big appetite helps maintain his weight at around 100-110 pounds. He is enjoying excellent health and is up to date on all his vaccinations. Now that winter is just around the corner, it means two things at Wolf Timbers. Full, thick winter coats and breeding season. Ingo is looking like a “calendar wolf” now that his fur is growing in and giving him a rounded, plush appearance. He enjoys a good scratch that can get down into the base of all that fur and relieve any itchy spots that exist. The breeding season will be an interesting one this year. Ingo has reached sexual maturity, and could thereby potentially challenge Nira for the position of Alpha. Although Ingo is still submissive to Nira at this time, things could change in the matter of an instant. The howling sessions have also increased, not only in the frequency but also the duration. As this update is being written, the Wolf Timbers trio is serenading us. Many times we will hear Ingo “singing” solo, almost seeming to enjoy the sound of his voice. Nira and Keeley will glance his way, and let him continue to sing alone. He is sort of like the guy who sings along to his car radio at a red light. Wolf Timbers is closed for the 2001 season. We have had a wonderful, fun filled year. Many school groups and individuals made the visit to meet Ingo and his companions. We have one final Howl Night this year on November 16th. The program will start at 7:30 pm. Wolf Timbers encourages you to come and visit Ingo for the evening. Through your generous sponsorship, we are able to care for him both physically and mentally. We wish you a safe and happy holiday season.

We will be putting up more updates on Ingo throughout the year. Please check back often. Thank you for visiting.