It's A Boy!!!!

Wolf Timbers has increased the pack size on August 8^th. The newest member was born on April 22, 1999 and is undergoing socialization at Wolf Park. Early pictures of this year's litter may be seen at the Wolf Park 1999 Puppy Page.

We are often asked if our wolves are tame. The correct word is socialized. All of the wolves living at Wolf Timbers have been donated by Wolf Park. When a litter is born, the puppies are removed from their mother between 10 and 14 days old. For the next four months, the puppies are in constant human contact. It should be noted that the puppies are not isolated from their own kind. They are raised together, with humans, and also with frequent, but limited, exposure to adult wolves as they mature. This process allows for socialization of the wolf pups in such a way that they do not imprint on people, but will accept people on a social level which for the reasons outlined below allow for more humane care of a captive wild animal.

There are many benefits to this socialization. The most significant benefit is the wolf loses its fear of humans, which includes sporadic visitors as well as regular staff. This makes for happier wolves in a captive display and also for observational research. Socialization allows the handlers to perform many basic medical treatments without anesthesia. The continued interaction between the wolf and humans throughout the wolf's life enrich the captive wolf's life in ways that simply would not be possible for an unsocialized wolf.

Wolf Timbers will be receiving the only male, Ingo. Ingo and his two sisters, Jessica and Julia, are doing quite well. Several of our staff have already visited Wolf Park and met Ingo and his sisters. There will be other visits as well, so that we at Wolf Timbers can better visualize the early and rapid growth.

Joseph and Susan Ny, as well as their daughter Christy, visited Wolf Park over Memorial Day. Ingo weighed a whopping 3400 grams on Sunday, May 29th. By Monday's weighing, he had gained ANOTHER 200 grams. Anyone who has watched the puppies eating understands the saying "wolf down your food". The puppies eat with enthusiasm, perhaps a bit too much for Ingo who tries to hog the food from his sisters. During this visit, Ingo was full of curiosity, and quite happy to wander off by himself to rest.

Marty Huth, Jen McDougal, and Beth Tedrow followed with a visit on June 5th.Despite the very hot weather that weekend, the puppies enthralled our director and volunteers. Marty reports that Ingo is already displaying a winning wolf personality. Ingo struts about his enclosure with more pride than his extreme youth deserves.

Joseph and Susan followed up with another visit on the 12th. In just two short weeks, they reported that the puppies already were more coordinated, no longer stumbling about on big puppy paws. Surprising, Ingo's sisters, Julia and Jessica, had caught up a little in weight. Not only were the girls catching up in weight, they were no longer content to bear the brunt of Ingo's pranks. The girls were giving back! It was somewhat amusing to watch the girls pounce on Ingo, who playfully rolled about with them.

Jen, Beth, and Greg Cooper returned to Wolf Park the very next weekend. We hope to have scans of pictures taken during this visit to add to our own puppy page shortly. Marty plans yet another visit over the long Fourth of July weekend. Watch for more updates over the next few months as our volunteers visit and report back on Ingo's progress.

Ingo, who is actually a half-brother to Keeley, will arrive in early August. Initially, Ingo will be placed in our holding pen. Nira and Keeley will be introduced to Ingo gradually and under supervision. This acclimation period could take several hours or several weeks. Only the wolves will know for certain.

After Ingo arrives, and until the end of September, Wolf Timbers will be continuing increased human interactions. During this period, at the discretion of the director, children (under 18) will be allowed to visit with Ingo. This will be a once in a lifetime experience for children who otherwise are unable to have direct wolf contact. Now would be an excellent time for families to plan a visit to Wolf Timbers.

Ingo currently weighs about 18 pounds. We hope that you'll take a few minutes to look over Ingo's Baby Book. Keep an eye on this page for more updates on the newest member of the Bolivar Pack here at Wolf Timbers.