Nothing has changed yet in regards to the programs we have been giving to the public. However, starting tomorrow and onward, the schedule and hours will change. We will begin giving other programs that include: Northwoods Ecology, Moose of Minnesota, Wolves of the World, Behind the Scenes, What's for Dinner?, and Wild Discovery Kids Program. Most of them are presentations but the last program is currently set up so children can make wolf casts. Of course, in order to learn how to do that, we made our own wolf paw print casts during our staff meeting on Monday.
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| Malik (Taken from IWC website) |
The staff did not have molds of the current Ambassador Wolves - Denali, Aiden, Boltz, and Luna - but they did have plenty of other molds. I chose Malik, an artic subspecies of Gray Wolf that passed away back on March 22nd. Only a few days before my birthday. I almost chose Grizzer but something told me Malik was a good choice. My paw is the one of the bottom left of this image. Other wolves chosen were Shadow (Malik's brother) and Maya. I painted Malik's paw cast red this morning so I can insert an image of the cast when I am finished. I might paint it a little bit more but am still contemplating on what exactly I want to do.
Since we will be giving new programs these upcoming weeks, on top of what we have already learned, we have been going over a few of the programs with staff the last few nights. So far we have covered Wolves of the World and Northwoods Ecology. Tonight we will be covering Moose of Minnesota, or Moose 101. Each of the interns have the powerpoint files on their computers as well so, of course, I intend on looking the presentations over as much as possible before giving the program. Tomorrow I will be giving the Mystery in the Sky program, Meet the Pack program, Moose of Minnesota program, and will work with another intern for a Kids Discovery Program. The first two are cake now that I have given them a few times but other two are definitely brand new.
Needless to say, I have a lot to look forward too these next couple weeks between new programs, the Ethology class next week, and meeting a lot of new people. Sometimes I get home sick (not as bad as last summer) but it honestly warms my heart to run into an Ohio person or even group. Last week we had a large group from Centerville schools! Otherwise everyone has been from Cleveland. It's nice to chat with people but it hits home when you can discuss Hocking Hills and other places in Ohio with someone. You would be excited too if you were states away from home!
In other news, that's not work related, I have been casually enjoying my times after hours with the other interns and a few staff members. Sometimes the USGS staff will hang out with us as well. Last Tuesday, we went over to the "Front Porch" and listened to live music. The fellow playing the guitar was truly great. While listening I was able to indulge in my new addiction - Dorothy Molter's Root Beer. For those of you who have not heard of her before, she is the root beer lady! At some point I want to visit her museum right down the road. If you ever get the chance, TRY HER ROOT BEER. Friends and family, I might bring some home to share... unless the case doesn't make it home.
The last few nights, after work and the music event, the interns and a staff member have gathered to watch Games of Thrones or movies. We have done so the last three nights which is pretty spectacular. A few of us pitched in for pizza the first night. An intern made delicious soup, noodles, and rolls last night and two of us brought drinks (including the Rootbeer, couldn't resist). I honestly had never seen Game of Thrones before and really wanted to see it. When someone offered, I could not say no! Last night we watched The Fifth Element, a rather interesting movie that's actually pretty good. Chris Tucker was my favorite in the movie. I recommend watching it; despite the movie being 17 years old.
For those of you who are still reading, I saved the best stuff for last. Since we will be giving a Behind the Scenes program we have to introduce ourselves to the wolves so they get a feel for who we are. Due to legal issues and insurance, the educators are not allowed to enter the wolf enclosures but are still capable of meeting the wolves behind a fence. We can hold our palm up for them to smell our hand, since that's the best way for them to greet us, but it must be at a distance behind the fence and we cannot stick our fingers in. These wolves are not vicious but they are also not domesticated either. They are socialized so they are not scared of people and therefore will walk by the windows, although Boltz still keeps a bit of distance, but they are still wild animals with instinct. The staff monitors these greetings as well to guarantee the safety of the educators and wolves. The wolves are also vaccinated for rabies, distemper, parvo, and other parasites/diseases in case anyone was wondering.
Anyway, I would say my meet and greet with the wolves went very well. I do not have pictures during the session but have taken pictures of the wolves prior to this event; so I can share those at least.
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| Aiden and Denali |
The moment I walked up to the enclosure, Luna decided she was going to become possessive over me and guard me from the other three wolves. As soon as I sat down outside the gate, she put her paw right on my knee and licked my hand. The other three still got the chance to meet me. Yesterday we all went out as a group but the individual experience was much better. Denali walked over and stood next to the fence, occasionally rubbing up against it, for a good five minutes or better. Boltz walked over and sniffed but for the most part he kept his distance; this is truly his nature when it comes to people. Aiden did not come over at first but when I gently called his name twice, he finally walked over and stuck his nose through the fence while looking at him. I regret not offering my hand to up him to smell but I let him act on his own terms. My hand was still offered and he could have walked over to smell it but instead he stared at me with his nose in the fence. I periodically glanced at him but mostly adverted my eyes because eye-to-eye contact is usually a challenge in the wolf language.
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| Luna |
I also was able to meet Shadow and Grizzer for the first time. Once again, behind the fence and under supervision. Shadow walked right up and smelled/licked my hand and also smelled my knee where Luna placed her paw. Grizzer is a little nervous around new people at first so he took a seat under a tree and watched me from the distance until our curator coaxed him out. He proceeded to walk over and rub up against the fence; smelling my hand just as the others had. I was told I have a bit of an advantage because I look like the curator; and I honestly agree that there are some similarities. Hopefully they still recognize me when I am dressed up for work rather than when I am wearing my "day off / lounge" attire (sweat pants and hoodie).
Other than that, I cannot think of anything else new to add so I hope you enjoyed the pictures and the video down below. I was finally able to record the "daily morning routine" of the wolves howling. Hope you enjoy.
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