WOLFThe UK Conservation Trust PRINTIssue 58 | Summer 2016

The Young Ones Red for Danger The Trust’s little lupines Why rufus needs our help Park Life The Appliance of Science Biologist Rick McIntyre discusses Yellowstone Could bionic sheep be the future?

NEWS n EVENTS n RESEARCH n MEDIA AND ARTS Issue 58 | Summer 2016 Editor’s Letter Contents Julia and Nuka Cover photograph of Arctic cub, Axel by Ann Rasberry/International Wolf Center REGULARS Published by The UK Wolf Conservation Trust, Butlers Farm, Beenham, Reading, RG7 5NT. n 2009, the conservationist Chris with the world, they also learn to be a Tel: 0118 971 3330, fax: 0118 971 0522, email: Packham made a controversial set of wolf, with help from their . Many Editor’s Letter 2 [email protected], website: www.ukwolf.org 5 Istatements about the giant panda, volunteers at the Trust have had the of the World 28 Editor bemoaning the large amount of funds pleasure and privilege of raising cubs, Lupine news worldwide Julia Bohanna. Tel: 0118 971 3330 allocated for its survival. He also said: bonding with them at this imprinting Email: [email protected] Making Tracks ‘Unfortunately, it’s big and cute and stage. Wendy Brooker explains the Book reviews and interviews 34 Assistant Editor it’s a symbol of the World Wildlife process, including the whys about Francesca Macilroy Merchandise Fund.’ Whatever people think about having them at the Trust in the past. 38 Editorial Team New and exclusive gifts and souvenirs Wendy Brooker, Mike Collins, Nikki Davies, Sue Fine, the panda, it does indeed raise the Cubs or not, many wolves in the wild Pete Haswell, Jessica Jacobs, Cammie Kavanagh, question of ‘cute’ in conservation. still face the dangers that mankind Lynn Kent, Pete Morgan-Lucas, Lara Palmer, Johnny NEWS FROM THE TRUST Palmer, Tsa Palmer, Denise Taylor Is exploiting this facet of an ’s can pose. appearance and sometimes behaviour, Patrons Trust News Martin ‘Wolfie’ Adams, David Clement-Davies, with the express purpose of soliciting Ultimately the words we use often 4 Cornelia ‘Neil’ Hutt, Desmond Morris, Marco Musiani, help for that species, a necessary evil help us as conservationists to drum up News and Events Michelle Paver or a dumbing down to be avoided at emotional investment in a creature we Director’s Letter 6 The UK Wolf Conservation Trust Directors all costs? Nature already often dictates are trying to protect. It is a means to Nigel Bulmer, Charles Hicks, Sue Hull, Linda Malliff, Update on the Trust’s Wolves 8 Tsa Palmer we gravitate towards protecting soft, an end, predominantly to educate. To furry creatures with large eyes that show these , big and small, at 10 Associate Directors FEATURES Lara Palmer, Johnny Palmer look vulnerable and needy. The sleepy such close quarters, helps their cause.

Specialist Advisors sloth for example, appears to be Thinking about the smaller variety, Cubs at the Trust Alistair Bath, Garry Marvin, Kirsty Peake, Claudio an animal we could take home and we now also have bees ensconced 13 Sillero, Denise Taylor cuddle, despite the Nosferatu claws. at The Trust, under the care of our The story of our Trust-reared wolves The UK Wolf Conservation Trust is a company But what of the creatures who do not Wolfkeeper, now Beekeeper as well, Bats at the Trust Site limited by guarantee. Registered in England and Plecotus auritus and Pipistrellus pipistrellus (and more) 16 Wales. Company No. 3686061. seem as vulnerable, such as snakes, Mike. You can read the latest buzz sharks and spiders? As ‘uglybugs’, about them on page 5. Iranian Wolves The opinions expressed in this magazine are not 17 necessarily those of the publishers or The UK Wolf they get more ‘urgh’ than ‘aah’ but Understanding human-wolf conflicts in Iran Conservation Trust. they have just as much right to survive We have some fascinating reports Update All rights reserved throughout the world. Reproduction in any and thrive. Perhaps we need to from the projects we support Saving the Indian wolf 18 manner, in whole or in part, in English or other languages, is temper our emotional response with worldwide in this issue too, including prohibited. The work may not be photocopied or otherwise Cast in Stone reproduced within the terms of any licence granted by the education and logic, to ensure that India and Iran. There is also an 21 Copyright Licensing Agency Ltd or the Publishers Licensing Are there any statues of wolves? Society Ltd. the right balance in conservation is illuminating feature about wildlife achieved. photography. Cuddly or not, the wolf The Red Wolf Species Survival Captive Breeding Programme Two critically endangered red wolf pups are born 22 has some passionate advocates to 17 The Wolf In AIMS OF THE UK WOLF CONSERVATION TRUST So where does the wolf fit into ‘cute’, balance the enemies and the species 30 in this discussion? Anyone who has teaches us something new every day. Survival and success? · To increase public awareness and knowledge of wild wolves and their place in the ecosystem. seen a large predator hunting down Just read the Rick McIntyre interview How to be a Wildlife Photographer 31 · To provide opportunities for ethological and other prey, ripping fur and flesh from bone, and you can see how wonderful it An insight from Bob Brind-Surch research that may improve the lives of wolves both in captivity and in the wild. might not apply such a twee epithet. might be to spend your life hunting · To provide wolf-related education programmes for But this is a cub-themed issue, so truth and knowledge. young people and adults. INTERVIEWS · To raise money to help fund wolf-related have we softened in this stance? Not conservation projects around the world. really. At Wolf Print we are still here Enjoy the passage to autumn now Rick McIntyre to educate readers and the focus in and open your hearts to all manner of 24 Download Wolf Print, including back issues, from Yellowstone’s Rick McIntyre talks about life in the park www.ukwolf.org this issue is on the development of wildlife. You may not be able to hug Andrew Kay young wolves, particularly out in a a spider, even a wolf spider – but all Design and artwork by BambooHouse An interview with the wildlife sculptor 34 Publishing: www.bamboohouse.co.uk world where lupophobia is rife and species deserve respect. Tel: 01225 331023 hunters most certainly do not go Printed by: Pensord, NP12 2YA, www. weak at the knees at the sight of a EVENTS pensord.co.uk on FSC paper from sustainable forest sources. cub. Cubs face a number of dangers 32 but as they grow, play and interact Julia Bohanna, Editor All the upcoming events and activities 42 This magazine is fully recyclable. By recycling magazines you can help to reduce waste and add to the millions of tonnes of paper already recycled every year by the UK paper industry. You can recycle paper through your home recycling collection scheme or at your local recycling centre. Visit www.recyclenow. com and enter your postcode to find your nearest site. Wolf Print Summer 2016 | 3 The Trust’s Kirsty Keeping Bees Peake Gives a at the UKWCT

TRUST NEWS Voice To Wolves n Friday April 29th, the Trust excitedly welcomed a nucleus n April, The International Wolf Oof Buckfast honey bees into Center presented its Who Speaks Photograph by Rob Schulz one of two donated hives. Having Ifor Wolf award to Kirsty Peake at Left to Right: Debbie Hinchcliffe, L David Mech, Nancy Jo Tubbs (Board Ch.), recently been sent on a beekeeping Yellowstone National Park. The award Kirsty Peake, Alan, Nancy Gibbons, Dick Thiel, Rob Schulz course in the Cotswolds, long-time is given annually to an individual who senior handler Pat Melton and I has made exceptional contributions to ‘Kirsty is highly respected as an comes from a fable about a Native were eagerly waiting throughout the wolf education and recovery. international wolf advocate and American named Brother Wolf, afternoon. When the bees arrived we animal behaviourist,’ said Rob Schultz, who believed that his tribe could instantly went from working with 14 Executive Director. ‘Her work as a live alongside the wolves, instead of animals (ten wolves, two tortoises and passionate wolf educator and lecturer becoming a people who killed the two pygmy goats), to working with a has been an inspiration to people of wolves for their own convenience. possible 5014 creatures! all ages in the United Kingdom and Brother Wolf believed that someone throughout the world.’ should speak for the wolf when his As the name suggests, the Buckfast tribe made decisions that would affect honey bees were originally bred at Kirsty told the audience: ‘It is a great wolves’ land or life. Here at the Trust Buckfast Abbey, by Brother Adam, honour to be the first international we are extremely proud of Kirsty, who who took over the monastery’s bees recipient of this award. This helps indeed always speaks eloquently and in 1919. Brother Adam wanted hardy highlight the global need for knowledgeably for our beloved canis and disease resistant bees, so set Source: Shutterstock worldwide support for wolves in their lupus. out using crossbreeding to try and natural habitat.’ achieve this goal. During his many

Kirsty and husband Alan by Rob Schulz Kirsty Peake is the Trust’s Specialist years of patient experimentation, The Buckfast bee is a very docile breed could potentially be catastrophic to The phrase “Who speaks for Wolf?” Advisor breeding different bees from all over of bee. Out of a possible 5000 stings, humankind. We don’t expect a huge the world (travelling some 100,000 I have only received one and the fault amount of honey being made by the miles in search of the perfect bees in lay squarely at my feet. Walking under Trust’s bees over the next few months; his lifespan!) he achieved the now the tree near the hives after checking however, we are very pleased to have wolf. After his very shocking passing famous Buckfast bee, which is kept by their water supply, I felt something hit given the bees a comfortable place to A Tribute to due to a short illness from cancer, some many beekeepers globally. me on the head. I naturally assumed thrive on site. colleagues from his work visited the this was a stick from the tree and Volunteer Trust and in his memory have adopted A nucleus of bees is a small group of picked it up out of my hair, squashing Mike Collins Tala for the next three years. up to around 5000 bees including the poor thing in the process. Looking Wolfkeeper Paul Howell a queen. They are usually sold down at the crushed bee and feeling a Paul always wore a wide-brimmed by beekeepers and bee breeders stinging nettle sensation in my finger, I aul Howell first volunteered at leather hat. Fellow volunteer Eve specialising in certain characteristics. realised the bee had stung me in an act the Trust in 2010. He was a very King, wrote: ‘Lately when I am of desperation and self-defence. If my DONATIONS Pconscientious and likeable man. volunteering at the Trust, I look for Once the nucleus arrived on site and giant fingers had not killed it, the act He offered to do any job and was the hat, with Paul under it. Then with had rested for 30 minutes, it was time of stinging me would have done. A bee EnviroCare Welfare Society incredibly unselfish, quietly cleaning a start, I remember Paul is no longer for Pat and I to don the bee suits for will only sting if it is threatened; people or parking the visitor’s cars. Paul never with us. The hat was his trademark, the first time, to move them into their hear horror stories of bees stinging £4,000 looked for the limelight and was always planted on his head come new brood box (this is the larger box and killing people all the time but this Balkani wildlife centre becoming an experienced assistant rain or shine.’ Several volunteers have Paul Howell with Tundra by Neil Connolly on a beehive at the bottom) and give fear is irrational, unless of course, you handler to the wolves. mentioned how kind Paul was to them time to get used to their new happen to have a reaction to the sting. them when they started at the Trust, going out of his way to show them home. £2,000 Paul was passionate about all the cleaning and other necessary jobs. It has been known for some time Jose Vicente Lopez-Bao – wolves and this showed in his talks to Watching the bees crawl in their now that honey bee numbers have Iranian project (see page 17) the visitors, which he often did when In memory of Paul we have hundreds on each removable frame, been declining throughout the UK. asked by the senior of the day. He was purchased a bench that sits on the as we moved them from the box to The honey bee is one of the world’s £3,500 extremely knowledgeable and a very grass at the centre of the Trust. We the hive, was an incredible feeling. leading pollinating species thought to talented photographer, taking many of and the wolves miss him. You instantly lose any feelings of be responsible for pollinating up to one DONATIONS GIVEN THIS LAST QUARTER the photos that we used in Wolf Print. nervousness or anxiety and are filled third of the human diet alongside other Paul’s Bench by Francesca Macilroy Undoubtedly, Tala was his favourite Tsa Palmer and Eve King with curiosity and awe. The bee is as pollinating insects. £9,500 misunderstood as the wolf in many ways. It is no secret to say losing honey bees

4 | Wolf Print Summer 2016 Wolf Print Summer 2016 | 5 word lupa, which can be translated Amala and Kamala. Singh attempted to she-wolf, was also used by Roman to civilise the children, with little legionnaires to mean prostitute! success. Both tended to shun daylight, Wolf Children becoming active only at nightfall, One of the most memorable acting roles our late Trust In 1845 a naked wolf-girl was found running round on all fours, eating wolves Duma and Dakota ever took on was performing in a in the process of attacking sheep and with the orphanage , biting, goats in San Felipe, Mexico. At first, scratching and snarling when upset live production of The Jungle Book at the Haymarket Theatre, members of the local community and devouring raw meat. Kamala DIRECTOR’S LETTER Basingstoke. However, their roles were static as they were doubted the shepherd’s account, until survived to 17 but Amala died after a held on leads throughout! a child’s footprint was found among year of what must be called captivity. the wolves’ which also engaged in new film adaptation of The the world of man and though he finds the attack, prompting an enquiry. Two Singh however, kept a carefully Jungle Book released this man’s perfidy puzzling, he is accepted weeks later apache scouts reported written diary of what could loosely AApril is a stunner, with its into village life and soon becomes having seen the child running with a be called ‘progress’ of his wards, combination of live action in the form a useful and productive member of family of red wolves (canis rufus) and although many scientists and students of the man-cub Mowgli and uncannily human society. a hunt for the child was planned. The of child development are sceptical realistic CGI for the talking animals. girl was eventually helped (afterwards, about his records and assumptions, The opening sequence, making use In reality, attempts to ‘civilise’ children her wolf companions were shot) and in 1941 American professor Arnold of a 3D jungly depth of field, has supposedly reared by animals usually taken to a nearby ranch where she Gesell at The Institute of Child young Mowgli leaping from branch don’t end well. The Jungle Book is really was kept in a closed room. She spat Development (later The Gesell Institute to branch, racing through luxuriant an exploration of how best to organise and bit at her captors and howled and of Child Development) at Yale stated foliage alongside the wolf pack. You the human world to bring peace bayed so piteously that she attracted in his work Wolf Child and Human feel as if your eyes are deceiving you and comity to the man-made jungle. several wolves to the ranch and the Child that there can be no doubt – can this all just be pixels? Mowgli is Legends of children raised by animals girl escaped in the ensuing melee. whatsoever that both children were played by Neel Sethi, who won the part outside society’s conventions stretch She seemed to disappear for a while adopted and reared by a nursing over thousands of others. However, as back to antiquity: twins Romulus and but seven years later a surveying wolf. Charles Maclean, novelist and children now want impossible leaps Remus, the sons of the war god , crew sighted the child cavorting and adventurer, eventually carried out a and the spectacle of a computer game, were sentenced to drown by their playing with a family of wolf cubs on lengthy research programme into the the idea of using real wolves was short- uncle Amulius. They survived and were a sandbar in the Rio Grande. children, even interviewing adults lived! Khan’s pursuit of Mowgli brings suckled by a she-wolf and fed by a who had been kept in the orphanage some of the most breathtaking scenes, woodpecker, both animals sacred to Victor, the Wild Boy of Aveyron, was during Amala and Kamala’s sojourn the boy rushing in panic through the Mars. The boy twins would eventually yet another . In his 10th there. He also uncovered some mighty, rumbling tonnage of a herd found Rome and its Empire. edition of Systema Naturae in 1758, interesting photographs of the of , as a mudslide and rock Botanist Carl Linnaeus actually labelled children curled like sleeping , avalanche begins on the cliffs below – The Jungle Book was sewn into feral children as Homo ferus, as he which he published in his non-fiction this is event cinema and I urge you to the fabric of British male culture in believed they were a race apart from book The Wolf Children in1977. see it. 1916 when Robert Baden-Powell the rest of mankind. Victor, aged Magda Boreysza: sleeping with wolves created the cub scouts based on a There is however, considerable Of course The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling short story where Mowgli first about 12, was found running in the the anthill closely followed by the two evidence to suggest that the curious Kipling was partly inspired by Sir appeared, Mowgli’s Brothers. wild in the forests of , and children; a child aged maybe 18 months behaviour of Amala and Kamala was William Henry Sleeman’s (a young The Scout Association had been though when he was captured every and an older girl of maybe six or seven. not the result of the children copying British colonial officer in India in 1852) founded in 1910. Baden-Powell kindness was lavished on the child Labourers were hired to dig out the lair the mannerisms of their lupine foster obscure pamphlet Wolves Nurturing asked his friend Kipling for he failed to respond to treatment. but as soon as digging commenced parents. Barry López, in Of Wolves and Children in their Dens. It described permission to use The Jungle Book He had not learnt to attack and two male wolves bolted and attempted Men (1978), mentions an experiment six cases in which feral wolf children as the motivational framework for savage strangers, however, but never to escape. Then a female wolf rushed conducted in treating certain disturbed had been rescued by Indian villagers the cub scouts, with its themes acquired human speech. He died aged out bristling with fury and attacked the children at the Sonia Shankman after being raised in the wild. Many of team spirit, codes of behaviour maybe 40, a scientific curiosity who diggers, eventually an underground Orthogenic School in Chicago in the of these children died soon after and obedience to the laws of the never learned to assimilate into the chamber was revealed in which two 1950s. At the institute, psychiatrists returning to ‘civilisation’. This obscure pack. world of man. human children were curled up in a were concerned with children who pamphlet had a profound impact ‘monkey ball.’ behaved in exactly the same manner as on world culture. Here Mowgli, the Wolves do indeed seem to be In 1920 Christian missionary Reverend Victor of Aveyron, the ill-fated Indian hero in Kipling’s tale, is found as a the most popular foster parents J.A.L. Singh heard reports of two The diggers were forced to shoot the wolf children Amala and Kamala and babe by wolves and adopted into the in legends. Indeed, there are few ‘ghost’ children in the jungle just female wolf which repeatedly attacked other wolf-children; building wolf-like pack where he receives his education primary school children who could outside the village of Godamuri, then them. They then sold the children dens, eating raw flesh, scuffing about through the auspices of wolves, not relate the tale of Romulus and a hamlet 75 miles from Calcutta. Singh and the wolf cubs in the market place on all fours and being dog-like, biting There are now 150,000 boy and girl scout cubs in the UK. In May anyone who opposed them. panthers and pythons. Later Mowgli Remus. However any student of there were a series of adventure camps, which will culminate in a set up a machine in a tree near the of Godamuri. The children went to comes to realise he is not really would immediately see a renewal of the Promise on 16th December. Wolves have played their huge anthill to observe the children Reverend Singh’s orphanage 70 miles accepted in the pack and returns to loophole in this incredible tale, as part in celebrating 100 years of adventure, fun and friendship. and saw two wolves leaving a lair in away in Midnapore and were named Tsa Palmer

6 | Wolf Print Summer 2016 Wolf Print Summer 2016 | 7 UPDATE ON THE TRUST’S WOLVES

Beenhams’ Update Tala by Francesca Macilroy Tundra by Mike Collins

Tala, Tundra and Nuka celebrated their fifth birthdays on 3rd May. As fully-grown wolves, to stop the wolves’ chains catching on the metal of the trough - sudden noise it’s hard to imagine them as tiny wiggly cubs that demanded feeding every two hours can easily spook wolves. Handlers end (some of us remember doing the night shift, then working the following day!) up wet too, from splashing or from the wolves shaking themselves dry when ‘bathtime’ is over. A wolf’s winter coat can hold a lot of water! he cooler and wetter than usual their otter-like fur regrows? They don’t - then suffering the indignity of his spring delayed the wolves’ always get greyer. sisters trying to regain his affections by We have continued the weekday Tmoulting cycle. By the end of May intensively licking his muzzle. ‘enrichment’ activities – various hessian all three were looking distinctly shaggy, Tala and Tundra are content with pack sacks with old straw from the goat shedding fur and happily standing (or roles; a few handlers suggested that Tala On our regular walks, all three stables, citrus fruit peel, coffee grounds laying down) while a friendly handler might try to take over pack leadership Beenhams love to roll on smelly things: - great smelly playthings to fight over plucked away the itchy underfur. - rank status changes have previously tractor diesel oil drips, badger/fox poo, or roll on. Wolfkeeper Mike and the happened in the Trust’s wolves - but this even a dead pigeon. The water trough work experience students attempted to Moults usually start on wolves’ legs/ has not happened. Tundra has become in the top field is a regular attraction, blow bacon-scented bubbles recently. belly and then move up onto the back/ more confident. On walks she can be holding two wolves at a squeeze. Nuka The wind was in the wrong direction shoulders/neck. Nuka’s belly fur shed persuaded to climb up on the big log in and Tala splash water over each other and only a couple of bubbles made it rapidly - as over winter, from lying on the bottom field and pose for photos with front paws - very amusing. into the enclosure. The wolves watched and digging holes in the Trust’s clay with Nuka and Tala. Photographers intently with very puzzled expressions soil, muddy lumps had solidified in need to be quick; if Tundra thinks Tala Tundra loves the disgustingly green - which no doubt provided some his fur. Tickling him was like stroking is receiving too much attention she water in the bottom of a smaller enrichment value even though it was gravel. As with his sisters, we collect will call an end to photos and firmly trough, used for sheep-feeding in early not what was originally intended! Nuka’s moulted fur and safely store it. ‘remind’ Tala who’s boss! Nuka is good spring. When wolves are in the troughs, Nuka by Mike Collins What colour changes will occur when at intervening to calm down squabbles handlers need to get reasonably close Pete Morgan-Lucas

8 | Wolf Print Summer 2016 Wolf Print Summer 2016 | 9 Mosi and Torak Update Mai and Motomo Updates

Although it’s been ten years now, it seems like only yesterday that Torak and Mosi, After an exceptionally wet winter and early spring Mai and Motomo’s den roof caved along with Mosi’s sisters Mai and Mika, arrived at the Trust as tiny cubs. in, hastened by both wolves standing/lying on the roof to get a better view around the site. From March onwards, both wolves re-excavated the den - sometimes we saw a tail and showers of soil being kicked out. Motomo is a particularly good digger! that had been daft enough to fly into the enclosure. She guarded her prize carefully, even sleeping with it tucked his den excavation was a Motomo, and approached the fence under her head before plucking and precursor to Mai having a repeat for food/human contact. If she had eating it. Torak was wise enough not to Tof the pseudo-pregnancy she cubs, this time would correspond with get too close to that meal. underwent last year. Around mid-April, weaning and cubs no longer needing a she would often not take food and high level of constant maternal support. Mosi and Torak’s enrichment walks was snacking on caught pigeons. In the She even caught - and immediately UPDATE ON THE TRUST’S WOLVES have resumed after the winter breeding light of her experience with pseudo- ate - another pigeon, rather than season and they thoroughly enjoy them. pregnancy last year, we again decided mothering it like she did with a whole On a recent walk they were taken on it would be less stressful for Mai if chicken carcass last year. Once we are a different route which culminated in we suspended her enrichment walks sure she’s happy, her enrichment walks the stream that runs along the bottom and left her undisturbed. From the start up again. Mosi howling by Mike Collins of the valley behind the Trust. It was a beginning of May, typically when cubs muddy journey which the wolves didn’t might have been born, she showed Motomo takes his mate’s hormonal adly Mika didn’t make it due to food and keep an eye on their health. mind, although it was a challenge for the greater behavioural changes: nibbling moods with detachment and has been complications but the other wolves Wolves will cache food if they’re not handlers who had to keep up with their at flank fur, sucking her hind legs, fence-running to annoy the Arctic Sare still going strong – Mai even hungry and ours are no exception. They charges while sinking ankle deep into the being aggressive towards Motomo if wolves in the adjoining enclosure. He having cubs of her own in 2011 (our will often return to it later and take mire. It was worth it when we reached he approached - then taking to the loves winding Massak up; if he stops current ambassadors, the Beenhams). great care burying and marking their the stream as Torak dived straight in and den for long periods. As last year, she running along the fence Massak will Along the way, Mosi usurped Mai as stash. Recently Mosi wasn’t in the mood went for a swim – luckily it was narrow ‘mothered’ material as surrogate cubs sometimes continue for another 15-20 dominant female of their pack and now for dinner and would take a piece of enough that his handlers didn’t have to such as the old hessian enrichment metres before realising and running lives a settled life with Torak as her mate. meat and cache it, before returning to go in with him! It’s not often our wolves sacks stuffed with strong-smelling back the other way. Motomo gets They enjoy the comings and goings from take another from the person feeding encounter water that is deep enough for things. She was reluctant to approach Massak to cover twice the distance and Mai in summer by Mike Collins the top enclosure with Torak, having her. What she didn’t realise was that them to have a proper swim and Torak the fence for food and we knew any tire out that bit quicker. mellowed in middle age, taking as much Torak was watching her carefully, and really enjoyed it. Mosi wasn’t tempted food thrown over would be eaten by the shaggy winter coat, with a distinct of an interest in visitors as his more the moment she was distracted by a and watched from the bank although Motomo, or the local red kites. Motomo’s moulting started in mid-May line along his flanks showing the gregarious partner. new piece of food, was digging up she eventually went for a ladylike paddle. and by early June his legs and lower difference. Interesting to see whether and scoffing the meat Mosi had just Needless to say the wolves were a lot By the first week of June, Mai spent body had moulted but his upper body, he will retain the light sandy-coloured With summer approaching, the wolves buried. Needless to say, he didn’t have cleaner than the handlers by the time the longer periods out of the den, tolerated head, shoulders and tail still retained band down his neck and back. Wolves are starting to shed their winter much of his own dinner that day! Mosi walk was finished! usually get lighter-coloured with each undercoats. This must make them made up for her lack of appetite a few successive moult (like grey-haired itchy, as Mosi will rub herself along the days later when she caught a pheasant Nikki Davies people) but not always, since coat fence in a kind of ecstasy and really colour is influenced by hormone/ appreciates a good scratch from her stress-levels, weather conditions and handlers at this time. Torak isn’t as nutritional status. hands-on but you will see him rubbing against the trees in the enclosure or Mai started moulting later than giving himself a vigorous scratch. If the Motomo, with very little fur loss until wind is blowing the right way, visitors the end of May, probably because can sometimes get a furry souvenir to of the hormonal component of the take home as the downy clumps of pseudo-pregnancy. She lost belly fur undercoat drift past. Many a bird’s nest - an aspect of pseudo-pregnancy to on site has a warm wolfy lining! allow easier suckling by any cubs. Once Mai’s enrichment walks start again As the weather warms up and the she will have plenty of human friends wolves don’t have to expend as much to help her lose the itchy underfur by energy, their appetites can decrease. gentle plucking! Their food intake is closely monitored so Torak by Samantha Gillis Motomo by Trevor Goddard we can see when to give less or more Pete Morgan-Lucas

10 | Wolf Print Summer 2016 Wolf Print Summer 2016 | 11 Arctics in 2011 as cubs by Tsa Palmer

Rearing and socialising There are plenty of positive arguments for captive hand-rearing and socialisation of wolves. Pat Goodman, Head of Wolf Research at Wolf Park in Indiana and the renowned wolf Cubs at ethologist Eric Klinghammer, who had worked with wolves since 1974, have previously cited several reasons why it benefits both the wolves and the the Trust humans that nurture them:

1. Wolves are much less stressed at being kept in close proximity to humans. This enables students, who are strangers to the wolves, UPDATE ON THE TRUST’S WOLVES to study behaviour at close quarters. Trust wolves are termed ‘Ambassador Wolves’ and funds The Early Lives of raised by visitors being able to see them up close are donated to conservation organisations Our Arctic Wolves worldwide to help wolves in the wild and educate people about them. As little ‘uns, our Arctic wolves were brought up dog and a visiting golden retriever, two parrots, one frog and seven cats 2. Delivering medical care often surrounded by squeaky toys, chew toys (including with kittens! Our cubs had to find their without sedation or unpleasant shoes!) like your average pup, having fun growing up place in the pecking order. A dominant restraints is easier on wolves whilst learning some manners along the way. cat called Minnie Lion, who certainly and keepers. Wolves are more lived up to her name, would chase the likely to be cooperative with any Tala, Nuka and Tundra by Jason Siddall wolves off the food bowls. follow up treatment. Our wolves have weekly recorded health hat’s where the similarity ends From day one the cubs retired each At six weeks old the cubs were Since the late Roger Palmer started the Trust in checks. though – they began life under night to a large puppy playpen to sleep returned to the park to further their 1995, we have successfully hand-reared many cubs, Tvery different circumstances. off another fun-filled day running education, including walks around the 3. Hand-reared wolves have an When they were born it was touch and around, until their socialisation skills outside of the park’s pens with two the majority of whom were donated to us from additional source of social go whether they’d survive at all, having began all over again the next day. socialised female wolves called Akiak and wildlife parks. interaction: their handlers. been born to mum Roxy in the early Those lessons, which began at four and Ruby, plus their handlers. Wolves are naturally social hours of 8th March 2011 in a bitterly weeks old, included excursions down animals and we humans can be cold snowstorm at Parc Safari, , to the local cafe for breakfast – our All too soon they had reached 12 weeks a valuable source of interaction. . young wolves, although not guide old where they were flown to Beenham xceptions to this include: state and as no suitable city or state Our wolves enjoy enrichment dogs, were always welcomed. Arriving to begin the next chapter in their lives. Motomo, an adult wolf from could be found for Dakota’s sister, walks with their handlers around By the time their keepers had hurriedly often on foot (paw!) but sometimes by ECombe Martin in Devon; the Tsa and Roger came up with Duma. the Trust’s fields. dug them all out of the snow, the cubs chauffeur-driven car. Now five years on, the Arctics are Arctics, previously hand–reared at Park Alba, Lunca and Latea were named needed CPR – rubbing their chests and doing well, although with the moulting Safari in Quebec, Canada and the after places in Romania and Torak was blowing into their lungs, they were then We needed to accustom these cubs to season currently in full throttle they Beenhams, bred here. The Trust is very called after Michelle Paver’s hero in Hand-rearing wolves and keeping wrapped up in warmed blankets for the human world with all its smells and look more like the musk oxen they’d proud to have bred the first European her books. Mosi means ‘cat’ and Mai them well-socialised is extremely insulation and ongoing intensive care. sounds, such as a vehicle passing them hunt in the wild with their shaggy wolves in the UK since 1680 and ‘’ in Navajo. labour intensive. Both male and Although their introduction to life was a on the road or walking on tarmac. Back winter coats coming off in clumps, imported the first Arctic wolves seen female human foster parents are used sharp shock, our cubs blossomed. at the homestead, daytime play involved making their enclosure look like a mini in the UK in 2011. The Arctic wolves were given Inuit during the cubs’ first 3- 4 months; chasing after each other tails, playing cotton field. However with the coming names, with Massak’s meaning ‘soft wolves only familiar with one sex For the first six weeks of their lives they hide-and-seek behind the sofa, going up of summer I’m sure they’ll be happier Naming cubs snow’, Pukak ‘fine snow’ and Sikko will often avoid humans of the other lived with their animal handler in a and down stairs and even climbing and once it’s all out and they return to Names are generally chosen related ‘ice’. The Beenhams’ names were sex. Wolves that are hand-reared farmhouse with acreage. Their backyard sitting on the cats’ scratching post. looking trim, beautiful white wolves to a cub’s place of origin or culture. chosen by volunteers, so Tundra is from cubs are considered ‘socialised’ was the remote Canadian wilderness, a once again. Kodiak and Kenai were named after named after the tundra regions of animals. They lose their instinctive 45 minute drive away from where they They also shared their environment with Alaskan places visited by Roger and America, Tala means ‘stalking wolf’ fear of humans, but retain all other first came into the world. two mongrels, a Pyrenean mountain Suzanne Fine Tsa Palmer. Dakota is an American and Nuka ‘younger sibling’. wolf instincts. In the wild, the period

12 | Wolf Print Summer 2016 Wolf Print Summer 2016 | 13 of natural socialisation usually starts never subjected to long periods of flesh. The cubs needed burping after enrichment walks and sparing the around three weeks old, when cubs separation from pack members. From feeds, just like human babies. animal stress when being moved from leave the den to develop social the Trust’s experience, females remain one place to another. Getting them behavioural patterns and emotional friendly much longer than males, Tiny cubs do not urinate or defecate used to collars and leads takes time attachments to places and individuals. who as adults are more selective with unless their mother licks the ano- and effort. At around six weeks, soft Captive hand-reared animals form whom they interact. genital region to stimulate sphincter collars are put on for a brief time and emotional bonds with their humans, muscle relaxation. This is thought to removed; this is repeated, allowing but this bond has to be constantly Socialised does not equal ‘always be the beginnings of an important longer intervals before removing reinforced. Long periods of separation, safe and friendly’. These are still wild adult behaviour pattern - that of them. A soft lead is attached for a over six months for example, weakens animals to be respected. Volunteers passive submission. We mimicked this short walk in their enclosure and then this attachment. Wild cubs are must learn the wolves’ body language by dampening a wet cloth to emulate for longer walks in the field to expose and never approach them when the mother’s licking behaviour and them to novel stimuli. Finally when entering an enclosure, but allow dabbing their bottoms gently. they are adults, chain leads are used the wolves to approach instead. As to prevent them chewing through the humans, we are entering the wolves’ Initially we put them to bed after soft lead. world and must behave according to feeding, but as they grew older we their social rules. Wolves, like humans, weren’t needed and they waddled In the Trust’s early days when wolves have distinct personalities. They off when tired, scrambled over the were taken to shows, schools, vets and exhibit fears and phobias, likes and hay bales and plopped into bed all by walks in the woods, it was necessary dislikes, bond with some people and themselves, snuggling together for to make them feel comfortable in fellow wolves but not others. warmth and comfort under their heat the trailer, so an old horse box was lamp. adapted to accommodate three Hand-rearing cubs Nuka, Tala and Tundra by Wendy Brooker separate partitions. From an early age During the cubs’ neo-natal stage, Cubs were weighed and measured the cubs were put into the trailer for teams of dedicated volunteers took daily until they were gradually weaned, howl (approximately two weeks), behaviour is instinctive and includes short periods. When they relaxed, over the three-hourly feeding for starting about four weeks old. when the ears and eyes opened, when hunting, howling, growling, food the trailer was driven round the Trust the tiny balls of dark fur with blue Weaning is a gradual process initiated eyes changed from blue to amber, guarding and caching, eating wild grounds to get them used to motion eyes, curled up ears, snub noses and mostly by the cubs, starting with play behaviour and anything unusual fruit and food marking with urine. and engine noise. Cubs needed to razor sharp teeth and claws. This was milk soaked rusks and puppy food – that might indicate a problem. be exposed to different noises e.g. reduced to five feeds a day at about progressing to fine mince, chicken legs Faecal samples were collected to test By 2-3 months old the cubs were tractors, drills, lorries etc. and crowds four weeks old. Special formula was and bones. In the wild the mother will for worms and they were treated starting to exhibit adult behaviour of people, including people with given using standard baby bottles offer milk until 10-12 weeks old. accordingly. Most cubs have worms such as dominance, submission, walking sticks and in wheelchairs, so and teats, during which the cubs passed on through the placenta and problem solving, stalking and that on visitors’ days they were relaxed paddled with their front paws, leaving A diary was kept of the cubs’ progress mother’s milk. answering other wolves’ howls. At and stress-free. Nuka with Pat Melton by Wendy Brooker scratches on any uncovered human to note the first instinctive yelping 6-7 months the cubs were virtually At six weeks old the cubs were taken adults, pushing boundaries and The Arctics were introduced to their to explore the outside world and testing their human friends. In the air cargo crates at a few weeks old. put in an outside pen adjacent to wild they would be ready to run with They slept in them, played in them the other wolves. The cubs would the pack and join hunts. and ate in them, thus making the fearlessly explore their environment, crates a comforting place. When they but as they got older, new sights, Training / conditioning had a long flight from Canada they sounds and smells produced anxieties. Training does not apply to wolves. did not need to be sedated, which can Wolves are naturally nervous of Unlike dogs they will respond a couple cause problems with large , change and will risk assess every of times and then decide that there but were quite happy in their crates. situation. A new bale of hay in a field is no advantage and refuse to do it The staff at Heathrow’s animal centre could be a danger; a gate could lead again. They can be conditioned to were most impressed with how to unseen problems. accept things or situations. Our young relaxed they were. cubs are conditioned to have health During this juvenile period, cubs checks through play such as fondling It has been a joy and a privilege to be emulated adult wolf behaviour such as ears, lifting feet and feeling all over a part of the Trust’s work with wolves climbing, jumping, running, chewing the body for lumps or ticks. As they for many years and to have watched and, most of all, play fighting to mature, they do not object to weekly the wolves grow confidently and stress determine the dominant wolf. Play is checks or administration of necessary free as hand-reared animals. They are important for learning about social medicines. It takes a lot of patience, definitely ambassadors for their less interaction and hunting; however, but it means the animals are confident fortunate cousins trying to survive in play fighting can be quite rough. Cubs and not stressed. the wild. lack the strength and stamina of adult wolves, but are destructive. Human Lead training is a lifelong asset to a Wendy Brooker Mai, Torak and Mosi by Darren Prescott intervention is not needed here - the captive wolf, enabling them to have Volunteer

14 | Wolf Print Summer 2016 Wolf Print Summer 2016 | 15 Plecotus auritus and Pipistrellus pipistrellus (and more) at the Trust

The Berks & South Bucks Bat Group carried out an initial Understanding Human– survey of the Trust site in the autumn of 2011. We found a single, female, brown long-eared bat in one of the wooden bat boxes near the visitor centre, but felt there Wolf conflicts in Iran was potential for many more bats on the site. In rural areas of Iran, activities are the main economic support for families.

he following spring we erected We always hear at least two types of Shepherds guard their flocks continuously from dawn to dusk, and many use several boxes around the edge bat: guarding dogs to help protect their animals. Tof the large field behind the - Common pipistrelles, which echo wolf enclosures and on a tree at locate at 45kHz. the entrance to the overflow car - Soprano pipistrelles, which echo park. These have been checked at locate at 55kHz. his is a land where the scarcity of least once every year since then. One alternative prey makes livestock a or two pipistrelles have been found in Thighly attractive source of protein the flat box on the tree by the pond at We have also sometimes heard: for predators, such as wolves. Wolves the base of the field, almost every year in Iran can be found in highly human- with some signs of bats visiting some • Noctules, which fly over quite dominated landscapes characterised of the other boxes. We also co-host fast (commuting!) and echo by extensive crop fields and several wolf and bat evenings each located at 25kHz rangelands where livestock graze. In year, at which visitors get to see and • Eight Myotis species (there are such landscapes, wild prey populations hear about the wolves, listen to a talk five possible species - all sound are absent or not healthy enough to about bats, usually meet a captive bat very similar on a detector) support existing wolf populations. (Rose who is a noctule bat is often a • a possible Natthusius pipistrelle As a consequence, wolves prey on great favourite with the members of (echo located at 35-40kHz livestock and feed on waste remains the public) and use detectors to listen at dump sites or livestock carcasses for bats on the main path. abandoned by farmers. One year we surveyed around Tsa Palmer’s house and saw brown long- Livestock depredation by wolves trigger frequently visit the surrounding villages José Vicente López-Bao, PhD eared bats, pipistrelles and a possible an important human-wolf conflict, to feed at dump sites and on carcasses. natterers bat (one of the Myotis particularly in areas where livestock This spatial overlap between wolf Research Unit of Biodiversity species). herding is the main economic activity and human activity, together with a (UO/CSIC/PA), Oviedo University, Spain. Grimsö Wildlife Research Station for people. Additionally, food available scenario of wild prey scarcity, increases (SLU), Sweden. Bridget Parslow for wolves seems to be distributed the probability of risky encounters Research Team (IWRT), Iberia. Berkshire and South Buckinghamshire irregularly on the landscape. Wolves with humans. Records of wolf attacks IUCN/SSC Canid Specialist Group. Bat Group on people can be found in rural areas of Iran at much higher rates than www.carnivore.science/ www.berksbats.org.uk expected. With the logistical support www.iwrt.info All photographs of Rose the Noctule bat of the UK Wolf Conservation Trust, in All photographs by Victor Sazatornil Luna by Claire Andrews 2016, research on wolf behaviour and human-wolf conflicts will be carried out in Hamedan province, Iran. We aim EDITOR’S NOTE: to understand wolf feeding ecology The Trust has donated £3,500 in this area and the use of human- to help this worthwhile project. related food sources in order to reduce human-wolf conflicts.

16 | Wolf Print Summer 2016 Wolf Print Summer 2016 | 17 Saving the habitat and high density areas. jackal and leopard, the dwindling Indian wolves and black bucks are numbers drives these predators to kill falling prey to human greed. Acute cattle and even attack humans. Indian Wolf shortage of water drives them to seek water and food by leaving the The situation is grim, but timely forest, heading towards the human- intervention could save wolves, black populated agricultural land on bucks, hyenas, bustards and every Wolf and other flagship species of the grasslands of the forest fringes. In the district of single organism in the grassland food Ahmednagar district (our project area in Maharashtra) Ahmednagar, some people are illegally chain. If we provide water and food cultivating forest land and even river for animals inside the forest, all the are facing a grave threat, as populations have beds, dry for over eight months of problems would be solved. diminished greatly in the last three decades. Unlike the year. In the open, many species the , the wolf is largely ignored by policy makers are vulnerable, easy to kill, either METHODS: and conservationists. by dogs or vehicles. For example, a dozen black bucks drowned in wells 1. Baseline Survey – all studied while looking for water. Several were over one ecological year: Landscape Assessment ur project area has a rich The entire grassland measuring 1444 biodiversity with good km2 will be assessed for its ecology Ograssland cover that supports and ecological niches, documenting carnivores, reptiles, birds and insects. seasonal changes in landscape and 2. Waterhole Creation: 4. Local Community Engagement Large scale habitat destruction has geography. Perennial water sources, waterholes, Adult members from the local proven near fatal for lupines, as well will be created in strategic locations. communities engaged in all the above as for the great Indian bustard and Biodiversity Count Since evaporation losses are maximum activities wherever appropriate. the black buck. Ahmednagar, Pune, Mega fauna will be documented to in the grasslands due to lack of Solapur, Aurangabad, Jalna and further understand the food web, canopy, locations will be chosen RESULTS: adjoining districts in Maharashtra species interaction and prey predator strategically and made large enough have a considerable population of all relationship. Sympatry and allopatry to retain water throughout the year, a. Cartographic landscape data these animals, except the bustard. We (species who have awareness of one biofenced with shade using native tree b. Biodiversity inventory could lose them all at any moment, if another or who are isolated) will also species like babul - acacia nilotica. It c. Wolf data to include population, nothing is done in time. be studied. would also provide nesting areas for pack size and numbers, migratory native birds. Waterholes would be trends, behavioral anomalies, However, conscious efforts focusing Population Estimation tanker fed regularly. population density and abundance on mitigation of man animal conflict Packs and pack size will be estimated. d. Oral historical accounts of the can turn the situation around. Behavioural traits and anomalies to be 3. Awareness faunal components of the region documented. Local outreach and awareness Ultimately, rampant habitat destruction programmes conducted on the The Indian wolf (Canis lupus pallipes), and acute scarcity of water in the importance of the grassland or Iranian wolf, Southern-East Asian grasslands are the main problems that denizens, community participation Wolf and Asian Wolf, is a grey face the Indian wolf. Ironically, they are Study site: Ahemdnagar district of Maharashtra. in landscape management etc. wolf subspecies inhabiting South now listed as endangered. According Mention of grassland denizens in the and south-western Asia. Some to BBC News, DNA tests wolf representative worldwide. Clearly killed by stray dogs. We communities’ folklores, songs and experts believe it may be the wolf on an endangered variety it is struggling hard to survive in its can only estimate the exact other oral traditional components subspecies from which the dog was of Indian wolf suggest it own territory. population, so can only guess would also be documented. domesticated, pointing to its small size might be the most ancient on the subsequent effect to Part of the issue is that there is grassland ecosystems. Since hardly any information available black bucks are prey for on the wolves, such as population, carnivores like wolves, hyena,

18 | Wolf Print Summer 2016 Wolf Print Summer 2016 | 19 Indian wolves do not form large packs like northern wolves, though they better tolerate crowded conditions in Cast in Stone captivity. Their social structure is more similar to that of dingoes and Are there any statues of wolves? than northern wolves. Although lions and horses steal the limelight, wolf Packs typically consist of a nuclear statues do make the odd appearance. And sometimes family of six to eight animals, though pairs are more common. They breed ‘odd’ is the operative word!

from mid-October to late December. A statue representing the birth of the Romanian nation, Bucharest Cubs are born blind with floppy ears © 2016 Peter Parkorr, Travelunmasked.com and a white mark on their chests he most famous is probably Inscribed with the mournful haiku: “I which disappears with age. the Capitoline she-wolf, who, walk with the wolf that is no more”, Taccording to legend, nursed Toshio Mihashi’s sculpture (right, Indian wolves’ prey is antelope, the founders of Rome - Romulus and bottom) in Higashi-Yoshino honours rodents, and hares. They usually hunt Remus. Surprisingly, she was sculpted the last Honshu wolf (canis lupus in pairs when targeting antelopes. A some time before the twins, and her hodophilax). The subspecies became single wolf will distract the herd with 5th Century Etruscan heritage may in extinct in 1905, but some local cultures its presence, acting as a decoy, while fact be 13th Century medieval. believe it still exists. its pack mate(s) attack(s) from behind. Red , , , ibex, isn’t the only place a wolf was put Happily, some sculptures celebrate the fallow deer, chamois, and roe deer are on a pedestal, but it wasn’t always as wolf that’s still among us. American also significant food sources in south- welcome! artist Malvina Hoffman, known for the eastern Turkey and south-western Iran. controversial collection The Races of and comparatively docile behaviour. thin fur in summer but fur on their Meant to represent ‘the birth of the Man, crafted the bronze St. Francis and While populations are stable or backs remains long even in summer, Ashwin Aghor Romanian nation’, Vasile Gorduz’s the Wolf, which is displayed outside increasing in some countries, in others an adaptation against solar radiation. Director – Projects, EnviroCare bronze (right, top) depicts a rather Saint Mary’s Hospital in Minnesota and they may be endangered. C. l. pallipes The winter coat is long, though (photos Welfare Society. bizarrely proportioned Roman shows St. Francis of Assisi standing side A statue based on the Soviet animated short has been featured in different roles in comparative) not as long as northern All phototgraphs by Raosaheb Kasar Emperor Trajan and a ‘levitating’ by side with the animal. The story goes ‘Once Upon a Time There Lived a Dog’, Tomsk different west Asian cultures; treated subspecies. Distributional ranges of Dacian wolf. Unveiled before a less that after the wolf attacked a village, © 2016 Anastasia Kozlova, Lifebeyondtourism.org as vermin or menace in some places, Indian wolves extends from south of than enthusiastic audience outside St. Francis spoke with it and found it respected and protected in others. the Himalayas in India and Pakistan, EDITOR’S NOTE: the Bucharest National History was only trying to survive. By preaching through Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Saudi The Trust has recently donated £4,000 to Museum, it’s since been satirised as a forgiveness, he convinced the villagers Indian wolves are generally smaller Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, help this worthwhile project (the Trust’s ‘monument to Romania’s stray dogs’. to help. than Eurasian wolves: 3 ft (91 cm) in Oman, Yemen, Syria, Turkey, and Israel, total donation since 2014 is £9,000) Strangely, it’s not the only statue length and 26 in (66 cm) high at the to the Sinai in Egypt. linking oddly-shaped wolves and These wolf statues show our shoulder, while the tail is 16 to 18 ownerless dogs. appreciation of their cunning, nobility in (41 to 46 cm) long. The pelage is and strength, and in some cases, shorter than that of northern wolves, This laden fellow in Tomsk, Russia regret at how we’ve treated wolves and has little to no underfur. Fur (right, middle) is from a famous Soviet throughout history. Sadly it was more colour ranges from greyish-red to short called Once Upon a Time There than giving them an oversized belly reddish-white with black tips. The dark, Lived a Dog, about a selfless old wolf or mysterious floating powers, but by V-shaped stripe over the shoulders who helps a dog regain favour with placing them on a pedestal, especially is much more pronounced than in his master. As a reward, the dog lets beside a human, we raise their profile northern wolves. The underbelly and him sneak into a banquet. Apparently and may give people ‘paws’ for legs are more or less white. Indian touching the wolf’s tummy will bring thought! wolves, like Arabian wolves, have short, you happiness, but our next statue from Japan inspires quite the opposite! Jessica Jacobs A statue dedicated to the death of the last native wolf of Japan in 1905 © 2016 “Katuuya”. Wikimedia Commons. Acknowledgements: 1. Sunil Limaye, Chief Conservator of Forests, Wildlife, Pune 2. Gulabrao Walsepatil, Divisional SOURCES Forest Officer, Ahmednagar. 1. BBC News. 2012. “Howls of derision in Bucharest as Romanian statue unveiled.” 3rd May. www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-17936412 3. Anant Kokate, Range Forest Officer, 2. The Field Museum. N.d. “Malvina Hoffman.” https://www.fieldmuseum.org/malvina-hoffman 3. Internet Movie Database. N.d. “Once Upon a Time There Lived a Dog”. www.imdb.com/title/tt0216434/?ref_=tttr_tr_tt Parner. 4. Kozlova, Anastasia. 2010. “Monument of Happiness in Tomsk.” Life Beyond Tourism. www.lifebeyondtourism.org/photoblog/photo/138/Monument-of-Happiness-in-Tomsk 4. Raosaheb Kasar, Parner 5. Parkorr, Peter. 2015. “Beautiful Snowy Bucharest in 33 photos”. Travel Unmasked. travelunmasked.com/peterparkorr/2015/new-years-eve-snowy-bucharest-photos/ 5. Rajesh Pardeshi, Ahmednagar. 6. Squires, Nick. 2011. “ symbol of Rome could be medieval replica.” The Telegraph, 22nd November. www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/ italy/8907425/Romulus-and-Remus-symbol-of-Rome-could-be-medieval-replica.html 7. Walker, Brett, L. 2005. The Lost Wolves of Japan. Seattle: University of Washington Press. 8. Wentz, Margaret R. 2012. “St. Francis and the Wolf by Malvina Hoffman”. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 87(10): e75. 9. Wildlife Extra. 2008. “Gone but not forgotten: the Honshu wolf.” www.wildlifeextra.com/go/world/The-Honshu-wolf%20.html#cr

20 | Wolf Print Summer 2016 Wolf Print Summer 2016 | 21 The Red Wolf Species Survival Captive Breeding Program Celebrates Two New Arrivals Cornelia N. Hutt, Red Wolf Coalition

As of this May 16th, 2016 Photograph: USFWS (US and Wildlife Service) writing, two critically endangered red wolf pups have been born at Red Wolf Species Photograph: USFWS (US Fish and Wildlife Service) Survival Captive Breeding Program (SSP) institutions pups are not as common percentage- 2009, a study concluded that over the in the United States. wise compared to litter sizes of 2-6. 30 years of managed breeding, litter However, the single pup phenomenon size had declined. Additional research is more frequent than litters of 7-9. studying the effects of inbreeding will he two pups, one born at the William Waddell, the Red Wolf SSP be required in the captive population. North Carolina in Asheboro, Coordinator, does not think there is North Carolina and the other a trend in single-pup litters. Research Cornelia Hutt is the chair of the Red T Photograph: USFWS (US Fish and Wildlife Service) born at the Knoxville Zoo in Knoxville, is ongoing regarding the effect of Wolf Coalition Board of Directors. Tennessee, are healthy and gaining inbreeding on reproduction, including She is a member and patron of the Red wolf pup at the North Carolina Zoo weight rapidly. They will have litter size, in captive red wolves. In UKWCT.

regular veterinary check-ups during utmost importance. The innovative the upcoming weeks. More birth technique of cross-fostering pups announcements may be on the way from SSP litters to wild litters, where since whelping is typically in April and the captive-born pups are raised May. by wild wolves (along with their own offspring), has emerged as an The Red Wolf SSP has been a crucial important way for the Red Wolf SSP component of the red wolf’s epic to support interactive management journey from near extinction to the between the two populations. 1987 reintroduction into the wild in northeastern North Carolina. In Red wolves born in captivity are raised Photograph: USFWS (US Fish and Wildlife Service) 1977, four years after the breeding by their parents and older siblings program was formalized, the first just as wild wolves are. The pups are litter of red wolf pups was born at not socialized to humans because the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium that would decrease their chances in Tacoma, Washington. Today, 43 of survival if they were released to approved zoos and wildlife centers augment the wild population. However, around the United States participate the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the in the Red Wolf SSP and collectively agency responsible for implementing manage a captive population of more the recovery plans for endangered than 200 red wolves. species under the federal Endangered Species Act, is not currently Managing the population as a genetic releasing any captive red wolves. reservoir is the SSP’s primary task. Since all red wolves are descended The two pups born so far

Red wolf pup at the Knoxville Zoo from just 14 wild founder wolves, in captivity in May 2016 Red wolf pups, age five months, Wolf Conservation Center preserving genetic diversity is of were single births. Single

22 | Wolf Print Summer 2016 Red wolf pup at the Knoxville Zoo Wolf Print Summer 2016 | 23 Rick McIntyre pack in Lamar Valley. None of us had expected that the wolves would be very visible, but it turned out we saw them frequently that first year.

What is the longest time you have had seeing wolves on consecutive days?

RM. I saw wolves every day during one period of 892 days.

Much has been said about the amount of data you have collected. Agate Br.F (no longer alive) © Kirsty Peake What are you doing with this? Kirsty Peake in conversation with RM. At the end of the day, on my RM. Yes, I think wild wolves are very filmmakers would put a lot of own time, I write up my field notes tolerant of each other at carcasses. emphasis on that. and now have close to 11,000 pages We have had many cases of the adult and any time Doug Smith or other wolves making a kill but not feeding Wolves born in captivity have no option Rick McIntyre, YNP Wolf wolf biologists would like to take right away. They will walk off to rest of hunting, no ability to earn their own a look at that I am happy to share. or catch their breath. While they are living. All they know is that once in a Eventually I will be writing books doing that the subordinate members while food shows up in their pen. If Project’s Interpretive Ranger based on those notes when I am of the pack come in and often they there is a big dominant male he may finished with the Park Service.KP – are in fact the first ones to eat. well take the food aggressively because Questions by Cammie Jones and Kirsty Peake well I don’t think that will happen for he doesn’t know if he is going to eat a long time, RM – the date does keep The most aggression you might see again. Compare this to a wild wolf being pushed back! is when wolves are feeding shoulder which has, in my opinion, a lot of self- to shoulder and one might snap confidence, a lot of self-assurance that How did you start your career? (A Society of Wolves) and at the in the park. I recall how I would walk Do you think captive wolves play at another and then it is over and its pack will make a kill sooner or later time the biggest wolf issue was the around in my ranger uniform in the an important part in educating they continue to feed. It’s like the and there will be plenty of food for all. RM. I started as a seasonal naturalist possible reintroduction of wolves busiest sections of the park, such as people about wolves? equivalent of a human family at a big in Denali National Park in the to Yellowstone National Park. I Old Faithful, with a wolf pelt in my dinner where two teenagers go for There are huge numbers of visitors seventies. During my first few years interviewed park service staff involved arms. That guaranteed that people RM. Yes I definitely do feel that the same piece of food. The wolves to the park now. Approaching four there wolves were hard to spot. I only in the issue, along with Ed Bangs of would come to me. As they gathered way. Not everyone has the time or seem to get along very well in terms million in 2015. Their enthusiasm saw three during my initial summer the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the around to touch the pelt, I would tell money to visit parks like Denali and of sharing a carcass. Of course a bull to get close to the wolves must there. Grizzlies, however, were way overall wolf recovery leader. I got to the story of how the gray wolf was Yellowstone and see wolves in the carcass could be 700lbs so if I was be challenging at times. You are more common and I spent a lot of know all the players involved in the native animal when Yellowstone was wild. We need captive facilities like a wolf I would have a pretty good always so patient and polite with time watching them. But gradually I possible reintroduction proposal and set aside as the first National Park in the one so well managed by the Trust understanding that there was plenty them. Does it ever get frustrating realised that, other than mother/cub became familiar with all aspects of 1872, but that the early rangers killed so that people in the UK and nearby to go around. If there was a tasty that their behaviour may be interactions, bear behaviour is pretty the issue. I transferred to Yellowstone all of them off by 1926. I then would countries have the opportunity to see titbit there might be a very minor, very bothersome to the wolves? repetitive. It is mostly eating, walking in the spring of 1994 and was given add that we hoped to get approval to a wolf pack and hear talks given by brief argument. around and sleeping. As the years the title of Wolf Interpreter. All my reintroduce them back into the park. knowledgeable guides about the real RM. Yes it does, but it is important went by I saw wolves more regularly programmes to park visitors were on In those days I felt like I was more story of wolves and their place in the We may have done some harm in to understand that if I allow myself and became fascinated by their endless the reintroduction proposal. of a street preacher than one giving natural world. I am very grateful for the perception of wolf social interactions with pack members. sermons to the converted. all the people that have worked so behaviour. Most By the eighties Denali had become What was the best way you hard in the Trust and in other wolf of the earlier wolf the best place in the world to see and found to talk to people about the Were you here for the release in organisations throughout the world documentaries were study wolves. During that period I reintroduction? January 1995? and have dedicated their lives to help filmed with wolves found a viewpoint from where miles educate people about wolves. in captivity and away I could watch the den of the RM. Only a small percentage of park RM. No, in my first few years in they didn’t always famous East Fork Pack, the pack that visitors go to the formal park service Yellowstone my job was only for the In a previous interview you stated tell the audience Adolph Murie had studied and written naturalist programmes and those summer months. I worked in Big that packs generally shared their straight off that that was about in the thirties and forties. people tend to be very well informed Bend National Park in the winters so carcass peacefully, that images the case. It makes for good about park issues. I tried to figure that meant that I was there when the of wolves baring teeth at their TV to see animals fighting What brought you to Yellowstone? out how to reach the vast majority wolves arrived in February of 1995. own pack members were usually over a carcass, growling of visitors that never went to our I got back to the park in May and captive wolves. Is this still your and seeing one bite RM. In the early nineties I was programmes and who likely knew during my first full day back I saw the observation with the apparent and pin another one. asked to write my first wolf book nothing about the history of wolves entire six member Crystal Creek wolf reduced elk numbers? I understand why Member of Blacktail Pack (no longer alive)

24 | Wolf Print Summer 2016 Wolf Print Summer 2016 | 25 Mollie Pack (14 of the 16!) Only pack from original introduction ‘95 © Kirsty Peake males come to them, gentleman callers in fact! The females are in a very secure situation. They have the protection of their own territory, their own family, etc. It is the males that are taking the risk.

If a subordinate female meets up with a dispersing male then she has a lot of options. For example she could go off with that male and try to find a vacant territory to start their own pack. In Yellowstone the norm is that at any given time all good wolf to get angry it is going to do way emphasise the word we rather than the pack. For example a subordinate pack territories are occupied. It is a more harm than good. I understand you, might be in her way. I would male may wait for the breeding male hard thing to find a vacant territory how important it is for people to lastly suggest that they take another to tie with the breeding female, then which could support them year round. see and get a photo of a wolf. But picture or two then move on so we run over to a lower ranking unrelated Another option would be to stay with Lamar Canyon Br.F (daughter of 06) if park visitors are too obsessed with can help her get home to her family. female and mate with her. It may be her natal pack and have her pups. © Kirsty Peake those goals, they may not realise By wording things that way, rather sneaky, but it works. The dispersing male may not stay with that they might be interfering with a than accusing someone of harassing her pack. We do know that at times You told me that you have had ran back and harassed it, but this wolf’s everyday life For example we an animal, I am hoping to get people I couldn’t remember what you said certain adult females have shown over 88,000 wolf sightings. Are time the pup fought back and 926F have some wolf dens near the park to understand their potential impact about the subordinate females and aggression towards other pregnant there any that stand out? and the yearling soon left it alone road and the pack members have on wild animals and how they can why they are a larger percentage females with the pack. However and recrossed the road to the north. to frequently cross the road to hunt avoid bothering them, both now and than the breeding females. there are many breeding females that RM. A recent one was when we had The pup went back to the south and and bring back food to the pups. Our in the future. are non-aggressive to subordinate the Lamar Canyon adults howling seemed alright. most common problem takes place RM. I am working on analysing that pregnant females, sometimes their from the north side of the road. when a visitor is driving along and When we travelled up to Billings in order to come up with a better own daughters. If the daughter ‘stays One of their grey pups was missing In thinking over that incident, I sees a wolf approaching the road. together you talked about the 126 understanding. The common practice home’ and has pups they would be and their howling was probably an concluded that 926F was fixated Without thinking, they probably will matings you had seen. 50% were seems to be that it is more likely for the ‘grandpups’ of the breeding pair. attempt to contact it. We heard on finding her lost pup and was speed up to the potential crossing the breeding males and 42% were young male adults to disperse from Genetically that is a pretty good pay answering howls from the south, then assuming that this grey pup was hers. spot, stop the car, get out and take the breeding females. their home pack seeking out unrelated off for allowing them to stay. There is saw a grey pup in that area. It was After realising that it was from a rival pictures of the wolf, not knowing females. This is a risky business as just a lot of possibilities and options going north, toward the sound of pack an instinct to attack it kicked in that it is a mother trying to get back RM. I have now seen 126 matings they leave their territory and cross into and I think one indication of the the adults’ howls. 926F the breeding and her adult daughter imitated her to her pups. In cases like that I would over 17 breeding seasons and in total, territories of other packs. It seems intelligence of wolves is how they female and mother of the pups, was actions. But then another instinct go to the person and ask if they have adding in other people’s observations, more likely that subordinate females have to make so many decisions in doing most of the howling. She and took over and she spared its life had the chance to get some photos of we have observed 204 ties. 50 of stay within their territories and the their life – what to do here, there. a yearling daughter crossed the road and let it go. We have had other the wolf, then explain the males in ties have been breeding to the south and went toward the observations over the years of adult that it is a mother males and 43% of the females pup. On reaching it, 926F sniffed wolves coming across pups from other who is trying to have been the breeding the pup nose to nose, just like you packs and also letting them go after bring food to her females. That means that would expect a mother to do with a sniffing them. Perhaps an adult wolf pups. I would subordinate males and missing pup. Then 926F walked off when meeting a pup from a rival pack then add that it females can often find ways to the east and the pup followed. just does not see the pup as a threat looks like we, to mate despite their But after another moment or two, and therefore has no reason to kill and I would lower positions in 926F turned around, ran at the pup it. 926F’s actions may also relate to and pounced on it. She seemed to what we have seen happen when a be attacking it and her yearling was breeding male dies of natural causes joining in. Apparently it had taken and is replaced by a new male who 926F a few seconds to analyse the has come in from another pack. In scent of the pup and realise that it every case we have seen, the new was not hers. It must have been a pup male adopts and raises the pups of from the neighbouring Junction Butte the previous male, just like they were Pack and had mistaken the howling his own. as being from its own pack. The pup ended up in a low spot and we could Thank you Rick for giving me so not tell if it had been killed. The two much of your time. It has been Lamar Canyon adults then walked fascinating listening to your Br.F Canyon. Now 11 off. After a short delay the pup stood insights on wolves and their © Kirsty Peake up with a tucked tail. Both adults behaviour.

Dave Mech and Rick McIntyre © Kirsty Peake and Cammie Jones 2016

26 | Wolf Print Summer 2016 Wolf Print Summer 2016 | 27 Idaho pups killed – $10,000 reward offered

n Couer d’Alene, Idaho, a $10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever illegally killed wolf pups after WOLVES OF THE WORLD I removing them from a northern Idaho den. The Center for Biological Diversity announced the reward Monday following the killing of the pups that Idaho officials say happened in the middle of May.

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is asking anyone with information to call the Citizens Against Poaching Hotline. Callers can remain anonymous. The Center for Biological Diversity says the killing of the wolf pups is an example of why a federal monitoring program Editor’s note: We have previously described Idaho in of Idaho wolf management should continue. Wolf Print as ‘the worst place to be a wolf’. Sadly, this example of cruelty and disregard for federal laws is an all Source: The Associated Press too common event in a region that continues to harbour The Bionic Sheep an irrational and irresponsible hate for canis lupus.

Earlier this year I represented the UKWCT at an event involving an unusual collaboration between artists, scientists and technologists. The focus of the afternoon From Hope – Six Italian cubs was to be the problems faced by livestock farmers with increasing pressure from wolf predation as populations rebound in Europe. ready to Live La Dolce Vita

lbert and Hope, two wolves Italian zoologist Joseph Altobello there are believed to be 20-25 of t was hosted by artist Fernando What came across during the day was like wolves, the frequency necessary to living at the six hectare described it as a subspecies of the these Italian wolves living wild in the García-Dory whose research area in that the over-riding issue preventing affect wolves being inaudible to sheep. AMaritime Nature Park in grey wolf. In the late ‘90s, it was Maritime Alps. The public have been Ithe National Park of Picos de Europa, farming support for carnivore The device will be solar-powered and Italy’s Cuneo province, have produced recognised as a distinct species. asked to name the cubs and they may northern Spain, is home to many conservation is the lack of timely and portable as it has to be used far from their first litter of six cubs. well have names by the time Wolf predators. -based Fernando efficient compensation schemes for civilisation. This is not a totally new After earlier extinction, it made a Print goes to publication. is associated with a ‘shepherding livestock losses. This was certainly true idea but any form of non-lethal control The is native to the Italian comeback in the Apennines and school’ and is clearly a predator-friendly for the Sami in Scandinavia who claim is always well worth consideration. Peninsula (Canis lupus italicus). Also the just before its http://en.parcoalpimarittime.it/park/staff individual. To get information like that it is not worth their while even Current controls all have their limitations known as the Apennine Wolf, in 1921 reclassification. A protected species, this from the ‘grass roots’ is not only to apply for financial compensation, and a mixture of tactics is often used rare but exceedingly valuable. At the and similarly for the farmers in to achieve the best effect. Perhaps Trust we have been privileged to listen Southern Europe where identification some form of ultrasonic device will to Troy Bennett, himself a shepherd of genuine wolf kills makes the whole have its place although I am not terribly working in the French , process hopelessly slow. optimistic that this will be an effective and this event drew interesting solution. Wolves rapidly habituate to comparisons. Promoting the return of The crux of this particular meeting such things even if they initially find large carnivores to Europe is a laudable was to present the idea of a device them scary. However, this device is in aim, but unless the concerns of farmers to protect sheep out on the summer the very earliest stage of development are met, neither reintroduction projects pastures. Italian technologist Paolo and it may yet surprise me. nor natural recolonisation by wolves, Cavagnolo was able to demonstrate bears and lynx can be successful in the the principles which uses ultrasonics to Sue Hull long term. frighten off, or simply annoy predators Director, UKWCT Maritime Alps Nature Park in Italy

28 | Wolf Print Summer 2016 Wolf Print Summer 2016 | 29 Motomo by Sue Morris (Picture taken on a workshop run by Bob Brind-Surch at the UKWCT)

and have even extensively colonised The Wolf In Spain; apparently inappropriate agricultural habitats. Survival and Success? Fenced barriers and highways do not stop wolf-spread although sometimes a new motorway intersects their ‘No-one can deceive the eyes of a wolf. They always territory and individuals are unable know.’ R.D.Lawrence In Praise of Wolves. to cross them without casualties. The effect of the relatively recent eruption of wind turbines throughout Spain upon Iberian wolf distribution has not hose eyes burning out of intent The Iberian wolf (canis lupus signatus) yet been fully established. Mountains features convey the essence of is a distinct sub-species of the are no obstacle for the Iberian wolf. Twolf; seared into our psyche European grey wolf (Canis lupus) There are currently breeding packs whenever we encounter them, which is believed to have evolved in the Picos de Europa at elevations whether it be on a t-shirt, within a when the was cut of greater than 2,000 metres in photograph or especially if we have off from the rest of Europe during the alpine habitats above the tree line. A Noctules bat seen them direct. Pleistocene Era. Previously widespread stronger conscience towards native throughout the Iberian Peninsula, species is emerging and although this As is the case with all wild wolves of wolves were almost wiped out in does run at odds with the tradition the world, these animals can never be Spain during Franco’s rule when of trophy hunting in certain areas of classified as easy to see, but certain complete eradication of the wolf was Spain, it contributes towards a greater areas in the in encouraged. Only relict populations knowledge of the true nature of this Northern Spain are considered by remained in remote corners of north- iconic predator. many to offer the best chance of west Spain and northern . seeing a wild wolf in Europe. This Wolves were trapped, poisoned or Hopefully, as the Iberian wolf reserve of 65,891 hectares holds one shot at every opportunity. continues to increase its range more of the highest densities of Iberian people will be privileged to set eyes wolves being approximated at five However, the Iberian wolf is now upon this expert in resilience. Despite wolves per 100km2 and consists of numbering between 2,500 and 3,000 hunting, illegal killing, destruction wide sweeping valleys and rolling hills individuals in the North-western of habitat and human prejudice, the which allow for panoramic viewing; Iberian Peninsula. From relegation to Iberian wolf is nevertheless surviving essential when looking for this highly Spain’s least populated corners, the and will, of its very nature, continue to mobile animal. Other places hosting Iberian wolf has begun to recover, re-establish the huge Iberian peninsula What it takes to succeed as a populations of Iberian wolf include being a very adaptable animal. The as its reclaimed territory. the Picos de Europa, the cereal belt of basic requirements of the species western Valladolid, Somiedo National are availability of food and suitable, Margaret Hallowell Park in Spain and the Montesinho undisturbed potential denning areas. www.wildwolfexperience.com Wildlife Photographer National Park and Peneda-Geres Rural depopulation and a plentiful National Park in Portugal. supply of wild ungulates are ideal By Bob Brind-Surch conditions. Iberian wolves have expanded eastward and southward When I started photography over 40 years ago I was shooting on film; as an enthusiastic naturalist I was keen to take photographs to sell to a wider audience.

was extremely lucky to know some and didn’t consider them again Passion to do it in the first place of the country’s top naturalists for a very long time. When I was Patience to keep on trying who were also very competent asked recently what I thought it I Practice and you will get better photographers. took to become a successful wildlife Preparation to research your quarry photographer, I realised that whilst I I asked H.G. Hurrell, a well-known Purpose to be determined and had ignored them all those years ago Devon naturalist, what it took go out on a photo shoot with a I was subconsciously following them to become a competent wildlife particular purpose in mind. every time I took photographs. photographer. He looked me straight in the eye and said: ‘It all comes down As a young, headstrong photographer How might they help you improve to the five Ps you know’: I put these to the back of my mind your wildlife photography?

30 | Wolf Print Summer 2016 Wolf Print Summer 2016 | 31 continue to practise it until you’re perfect. That way when something happens in front of you, you will know instinctively how to react. When I saw the African fish eagle in this photograph take off carrying a tilapia fish I had to quickly pick up the camera focus, select the right settings to freeze the action and get a nice soft background and take the picture. I had little time to think and had to react based on the many times I had practised something similar on a seagull over a local pond.

Preparation Adequate preparation will make for far better photographs. I like to have an image in mind and go out to shoot it. To get that image often requires considerable preparation. The native little owl is a diurnal owl; that is, it comes out in the daytime Passion that you’ve previously imagined. to get better at something surround but is often very difficult to see, as Unless you are passionate about what For many years I had in my mind yourself with those that are better at it’s well camouflaged. I imagined a you’re doing, prepared to learn all that a photograph of a stag it than you.’ I have been very lucky to photograph of a little owl in an oak there is to know about your subject bellowing, surrounded by broadleaved have worked with some wonderful tree partially hidden by the leaves. and really get ‘under its skin’, you woodland and bracken. One very cold naturalists and photographers In order to shoot this picture I had will never take a decent photograph. October day I came across just that over the years; they have taught to find a location where there were Wildlife photography provides you opportunity, carefully focused the me a great deal, but it is only by little owls, but also very importantly with the opportunity to capture camera to construct the image I’d so constantly practising what they told when the leaves would be just right. pictures that say ‘wow’ and pass that often seen in my head and pressed me that I have improved. Modern Spring growth would be so bright it experience and passion on to other the shutter. digital photography gives us a great would reflect a lot of light and in the people. When I’m shooting wildlife opportunity to do just that for free. autumn and winter the trees would I try to share with the viewer what Practice When I began every time I pressed be devoid of leaves. There was only it was that drew my attention in the Whatever you do in life you will do the shutter it cost me money. Now one period in September when the first place. I try to shoot with emotion it better if you practise.’If you want you can learn a new technique and leaves would be sufficiently dull and and through this emotion highlight the light sufficiently bright to take the the feeling that I had at the time. A photograph I had in mind. well-known American photographer called Lisa Langell summed it up very Purpose well when she said: ‘Photography isn’t When I go out to take a photograph just documenting that you saw it – it I often have a clear purpose in mind. and their densely feathered skins As a young photographer I ignored the is capturing how you experienced the Wildlife photography is an art form, were used in the clothing industry as five Ps. As a wiser, more experienced moment’. as when I’m taking a photograph I’m ‘grebe fur’. I was keen to capture an older photographer I am beginning to trying to create a piece of artwork that image of this magnificent animal in see the value of this simple guidance Patience conveys the passion and experience the right light and on its nest amongst I was given so many years ago. I do Whenever I tell anybody that I’m a I had to the observer of my work. reeds. This was not a photograph I hope that it will help you too. wildlife photographer the immediate This requires steadfast purpose. The could take casually, but one that took response I get is gosh you must be great crested grebe is a magnificent some time to prepare for; I went out patient. You need to spend a great bird that builds its nest on a floating very early one day when the light was deal of time sitting in a hide, stalking mat of debris often amongst the just right with a very clear purpose of All phototgraphs, unless otherwise stated, the animal or simply using field signs reeds. In the mid-1800s there were capturing that photo I had imagined. by Bob Brind-Surch to get to know its habits better. I only 50 breeding pairs left in the UK. also need the patience to capture Such was their beauty that they were the picture I have in my mind. I slaughtered on an industrial scale to Bob Brind-Surch is a professional wildlife photographer who runs Natures Photos – strongly believe that the best wildlife feed the demands of fashion. The fine www.naturesphotos.co.uk, providing wildlife photography workshops. One of his photographs are made when you’re chestnut head plumage was used to workshops is run at the UKWCT. trying to capture an idea or an image decorate hats and other accessories

32 | Wolf Print Summer 2016 Wolf Print Summer 2016 | 33 jackdaws which live in the sycamore Is there any animal you have not the M6 motorway, a life sized shire trees above the barn and are lucky attempted/would not attempt? horse for the Grand Union Canal and enough to be able to walk our two a large flying swan fountain for a labradors around our neighbour’s lake I try and create animal sculptures public lake. I even had an enquiry from before dusk each day and see the bird which have lean musculature, as the Germany from a chap who wanted a life, including swans, coots, herons style I use depicts the tautness and pack of wolves which he planned to and oystercatchers. Further above the strength of the beasts. Whilst we have ‘emerge’ from a forest but he hasn’t

MAKING TRACKS barn there is a spruce copse in which created a herd of wild boar, a domestic been back in contact. A shame, as that we have seen red deer and a pair of Gloucester Old Spot pig got a bit lost in would be a very exciting commission! Interview with resident tawny owls, whose silent translation as it is more ‘fleshy’. As well flight I find magical to glimpse. The as our studio pieces, we are currently http://andrewkaysculpture.com countryside in which I live inspires me working on a five metre limousin bull Andrew Kay, Sculptor every day. for a prestigious auction mart just off Julia Bohanna Andrew Kay

Was sculpture an early influence? up working at the Franz Kafka Theatre England at Cartmel has had some as a fledgling set designer. When I influence. story. It became a wolfy soap opera I was only ever any good at making returned home I had sketchbooks full Wolf Land with bite, no pun intended. things and always had a penknife and of ideas and started my career by first Following a trip to Grizedale Forest a stick to whittle. One of my earliest making pieces in my parents’ garage in Cumbria many years ago, I bought By Carter Niemeyer In Wolf Land you can see the successes, sculptures was a lion I made out of before getting my own sculpture a book which I could ill afford at Published by Bottlefly Press the tragedies and the sheer cruelty of a bar of soap which I gave to my studio at Tosca, which is only a mile as the time, Brother Wolf: A Forgotten RRP $18.00 some towards a species that deserved mother. Whilst I didn’t go to galleries the crow files from my new studio at Promise by Jim Brandenburg, a truly ISBN-13: 978-0-9848113-2-8 a chance. ‘Characters’ like Chad I loved to play on the sand dunes on Beckside Barn. inspirational story of his building McKitterick from Montana, who killed, the coast where I lived and enjoyed a log cabin in the north west dismembered and disposed of a radio sketching things which I had found on There is a wonderful video on your territories of America and observing/ ‘...the bodies hit like blocks of collared wolf (No 10) in a culvert. I am the shore. website showing how you created photographing the wonderful timber firewood’. (referring to the sedated biased of course, but Carter gives at the metal stag in your workshop. wolves of Raven Falls. wolves) least an idea of the whys behind the How did your time in Scandinavia persecution and fear of the species. influence your work? Making a new piece of sculpture, I The Cumbrian commission of a How to lose friends and alienate He shows the dirty and uncomfortable work from sketches and anatomical large wolf came from an association people could be the perfect strapline realities of the captures: perilous After completing my design degree drawings which I then scale up with the Cumbria Wildlife Trust. I to the controversial Yellowstone helicopter rides, bear-bashed cars and in Leeds I won a travel scholarship to on a blackboard to a full-sized sometimes walk on Cartmel Fell with reintroduction scheme in the grungy mouse-infested beds. This is adventure Scandinavia. I got diverted and ended animal. Once I’m happy with the my wife and dogs and I always think 1990s. Carter Niemeyer, ex trapper with a distinct purpose, where the up working for a while on a deep sea posture and form, pieces of steel about the wolf legend when I am and ranchers’ buddy, gives us his very danger came largely from human beings bloodmindedness of both lupophiles fishing trawler in the Arctic Ocean. I are cut and offered up to the master there - the last wolf to be killed in personal account of capturing wolves, and their inability to adapt to change. and lupophobes involved in Yellowstone, then travelled to the Nordkapp, north drawing. Once pressed into the England was at Humphrey Head dealing with ranchers and ultimately, The wandering wolf, the problematic you absolutely need to read Wolf Norway, and have never experienced correct shape the pieces are welded and that’s just over the hills from my managing the sheer loathing of cattle stealer or just the animal that Land. There is even a thoughtful list of such solitude and beauty. It was the together, from the feet up, and studio. So it’s never far from my mind. lupines and division in scientific dares to be a wolf in a wolf-hating discussion questions for book groups first time I’d ever seen elk and arctic the animal slowly takes shape. This When I started work on the sculpture rationale that perpetuated around the world – we see them all. We are there at the back of the book. After all, this hares (but alas no wolves!). Following process takes some time so as to I tried to capture the lean, hungry, whole scheme at the time. at ground level for the noted wolf is a discussion, even twenty years on. that I hitchhiked to Prague and ended capture the essence and attitude of stalking form of this wolf which lived packs, like the Biscuit Basin pack and the It’s clear too that despite the friendships the live beast. in the 14th Century. The history of bringing wolves back Crystal Creek pack (now Mollie’s pack), and allegiances that Carter lost by taking to Yellowstone National Park, for so the creatures that made the Yellowstone a stand, he made some fresh and lasting From the first sculptures the process Your spray paint sketches are many people, was a conservation adventure exciting to follow, perilous ones (including his wife Jenny who has hasn’t changed much, I’ve just very fluid, with a great sense of adventure that no one knew would and frustrating in equal measure. expertly co-edited his book with Dee refined it over the years. I found that movement and freedom. You can have a happy ending. In detailed and Lane) and in the process, changed his people really liked the simplicity and see sky and landscape through beautifully written, honest prose, There is some lovely mellow and stance on a number on things. It’s a nuances of the various animals and them – animal and earth become Carter recalls some of the people self-deprecating humour in the book fascinating history of the Yellowstone within a couple of years I had a list of one. involved such as biologists and too, which make it akin to listening reintroduction but also a study of how international clients, from lords, ladies officials but also, viscerally and vividly, to a captivating storyteller around a the mercurial and magical canis lupus and lairds to people who wanted a We are very fortunate to live and work his part in the capture of the to-be- campfire: can so craftily make us a willing slave to herd of deer to grace their gardens in in the wild moorland of my native reintroduced wolves. Those wolves their ultimate protection. the Seychelles. county where we see vast amounts were radio collared so that they could ‘Dirt and grime and a good sunburn of wildlife. When the workshop shuts be studied as numbers like OR-7 but came first.’ Wolf Land is the second book from You have often spoken about down for the evening, the serenity of to some, even hardened professionals, Carter, after his initial memoir Wolfer. your love of wolves and clearly our surroundings becomes apparent those same animals gradually For anyone who wants a reliable witness the story of the last wolf killed in and we enjoy watching the ‘cackle’ of developed names, character and a to the politics, passion and the sheer Julia Bohanna

34 | Wolf Print Summer 2016 Wolf Print Summer 2016 | 35 ESA. Federal courts had to determine downlisting and delisting rules. will require substantial regulatory in the NRM: the litigation regarding Wolves, Courts, the meaning of the statutory Reintroduction has been judicially and societal changes, rather than a the Wyoming delisting, President mandates and decide whether the upheld as lawful and appropriate; short-term expectation. The primary Obama’s proposed delisting of the Interior complied with the law. both proponents and opponents of purpose of the ESA is not delisting, wolf across much of the USA, and and Public Policy: wolf recovery need to deal with the rather it is the protection of species proposed amendments to the ESA. Fitzgerald follows policy debates agency as the recognised federal against ill-considered human activity The Children of the Night Return and lawsuits surrounding the expert on managing the species in a while society works toward the type of Fitzgerald’s rich, complex narrative

MAKING TRACKS successful1990s Yellowstone and developed world. fundamental mechanisms to regulate tells us that wolves will be ‘in recovery’ to the Northern Rocky Mountains central Idaho wolf reintroduction economic development that might as long as wolves and modern, and the repeated federal court Fitzgerald quotes professor Holly support widespread delisting.’ industrialised human beings inhabit By Edward A. Fitzgerald reproduction and accelerates healthy decisions striking down the Fish and Doremus on species ‘recovery’ and the same space. Published by Lexington Books prey reproductive rates, through higher Wildlife Service’s delisting of the wolf delisting: ‘Delisting is an aspirational He concludes that several outstanding Hardcover 242pp twining and fertility. It maintains prey throughout the northern Rockies, goal, the achievement of which issues will affect the future of the wolf Tsa Palmer RRP £60 ISBN: 978-1498502672 populations at levels that can be based upon this limited success. supported by the habitat. Reduction Dispiritingly, Congress passed an aw professor Edward Fitzgerald of bison and elk, wolves’ main prey, appropriations rider delisting the discusses wolf reintroduction in has allowed willows and aspen trees to wolf in the NRM to appease regional are few and far between, and while Lthe Northern Rocky Mountains return in overgrazed areas. politicians. Wolves in Video Games: the same is true of the most famous (NRM) and debates whether federal wolf in video gaming, at least she is courts should defer to decisions of Ultimately, plant growth stabilises Fitzgerald underscores the political Just a Pack of Pixels? treated with respect. administrative agencies, or more soil, prevents erosion, improves balancing act involved in wolf actively police what judges perceive water quality and expands carbon reintroduction during the Clinton From the Big Bad Wolf to ‘Grandma’, game, Sif the Great Grey Wolf is a Amaterasu, or ‘Ammy’, is a wolf as the intent of Congress in a statute, sequestration, helping to address era, quoting then-Secretary of the everyone’s heard of wolves in books boss enemy who guards the grave of goddess from the Japanese mythology specifically the Endangered Species climate change. Increased beaver Interior Bruce Babbitt 1995 testimony and film. But what about video games, her master, Knight Artorias. He died game Okami. Beautifully rendered Act (ESA). He dedicates the book to colonies improves riparian hydrology that: ‘Our aim is to speed the which are now bigger than Hollywood protecting her from ‘the Abyss’, an like a brush painting, Amaterasu must the government agencies, groups, and increases water fowl populations. recolonization of wolves so that they movies? Are wolves just cannon fodder, area that the player is trying to access. regain her powers, restore the land, individuals, judges, lawyers and law Wolf reintroduction has clearly can be removed from the Endangered or is the gamer like Little Red Riding Depending on how you play the game fight demons and protect the innocent. firms who have helped to restore improved biodiversity in the NRM. Species List and federal protection by Hood? The answer may surprise you. Sif may recognise you before the Villagers who think she is a normal the wolf to the Northern Rocky Wolves kill an elk every few days. the year 2002.’ battle, but despite her mournful howl wolf still welcome her because she Mountains, therefore demonstrating The carcasses provide food for other Thanks to the bafflingly popular Goat she is still honour-bound to attack you. looks like (and is) the reincarnation his support for reintroduction and the animals, including grizzly bears who Promising delisting based on the Simulator, there’s been a surge in Simply put, she is a tragic figure. of one who helped overthrow an evil recovery of the wolf population. receive nourishment before and after hoped-for success of a limited games about the daily lives of animals. dragon, despite being shunned by the hibernation. Wolves terminating reintroduction programme has But back in 1994, MS DOS game Wolf Sci-fi series Star Fox has another village at the time. According to Fitzgerald, wolves have coyotes has led to an increase in generated political backlash among let you play as a wolf hunting for prey ‘grey’ wolf enemy. Wolf O’Donnell been very beneficial to the NRM’s rodents and hares, the prey of other opponents (as it did in the NRM) and a pack, and 2010’s Wolf Quest is an anthropomorphic wolf, skilled Whether they’re striking down ecosystem. Wolf depredation removes species, including foxes, owls, hawks, and judicial reprimand (as happened was launched with the same goal spaceship pilot and rival of hero Fox warriors, demons or pilot egos, almost diseased animals, culls deformed or eagles, badgers and pine martens. repeatedly to the Fish and Wildlife but with other players. While hardly McCloud. However, despite his ruthless all of these wolves are more complex genetically inferior animals before The increase in hares has been Service in its subsequent wolf runaway hits, they portrayed wolves reputation, in Star Fox: Assault he than at first glance. If they’re not particularly beneficial for lynx recovery. downlisting and delisting rules). simply as animals trying to survive. allies with and even saves Fox from simply trying to survive, they’re imbued A recent Oregon State University the insect-like cyborgs the Aparoids, with a tragic backstory or desperate study concluded that: ‘Predation and The book’s review of the politics and Given their less than stellar reputation although he denies doing so and situation, and are brave or loyal. Does predation risk associated with large litigation of wolf reintroduction and in medieval Europe and the wild west - continues to fight him in later games. this portrayal reflect a feeling of guilt predators appear to represent powerful recovery reveals some overarching where many open world fantasy games While this character deserves distrust, for their persecution, combined with ecological forces capable of affecting past and future perspectives. Firstly, are based - it’s surprising that they’re our next ‘wolf’ is not so lucky. respect for a strong, intelligent animal the interactions of numerous animals politics matters. While Republican not always aggressive either. In Skyrim, that defends those closest to it? and plants, as well as the structure and President Richard Nixon signed the for instance, wolves usually only attack In The Legend of Zelda: Twilight function of the ecosystems.’ modern Endangered Species Act in if threatened, and in up and coming Princess, elfin hero Link must journey Since video games are still a new 1973, every administration that has game WiLD, you may be able to between the light and ‘twilight’ realms medium, this may suggest that up and However, the reintroduction and actively supported wolf reintroduction control a wolf pack and call them to to defeat evil. Whenever he crosses coming generations have a different recovery of the grey wolf under the and recovery has been democratic, your aid rather than fight them. over he becomes a wolf, but this and more balanced perspective of canis Endangered Species Act (ERA) to the while republican administrations have causes enough panic that Midna, his lupus. And that’s a future we can all NRM demonstrates the interaction leveraged the issue to build electoral That’s not to say that they’re never twilight companion, advises him not look forward to. of law and politics between federal support in the Intermountain West. antagonistic. In the downloadable to transform in front of other people if government, state/local governments, content for Dark Souls, another fantasy possible. Those who do recognise him Jessica Jacobs and interest groups, including public Secondly, It is widely believed that law litigation. Livestock and hunting the Fish and Wildlife Service will SOURCES industries, western states and ultimately prevail in Endangered 1. Abandonia.com. 2016. “Wolf”. http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/531/Wolf.html 2. BBC News. 2015. “Pong and Doom Enter First Video Game Hall of Fame”. 4th June. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-33005297 environmental groups, all challenged Species Act litigation, notwithstanding 3. Businesstech.co.za. 2015. “The Biggest Entertainment Markets in the World”. 31st May. http://businesstech.co.za/news/lifestyle/88472/the-biggest-entertainment-markets-in-the-world/ the Interior’s implementation of the the agency’s losses on the wolf 4. Darksouls.Wikia.com. N.d. “Knight Artorius”. http://darksouls.wikia.com/wiki/Knight_Artorias 5. Kamiya, Hideki. 2006. Okami. Playstation 2. Capcom. 6. Manuel, Rob. 2010. “Top 5 Wolves in Videogaming”. http://www.g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/720286/top-5-wolves-in-videogaming/ 7. Playstation.com. 2016. “WiLD”. https://www.playstation.com/en-gb/games/wild-ps4/ 8. Starfox.Wikia.com. N.d. “Wolf O’Donnell”. http://starfox.wikia.com/wiki/Wolf_O’Donnell 36 | Wolf Print Summer 2016 Wolf Print Summer 2016 | 37 Gifts, clothing and wolfy souvenirs

Wolf – Wild Watch £9.99 A child’s plastic wrap around watch designed on wolf’s face. Paw prints on strap. Not suitable for under three years of age. Wolf Song Round Tray £9.99 A 34cm round tray featuring Lisa Parker picture ‘Wolf Song.’ Tray has two handles for easy carrying. Moonlight Sonata Drinking Bottle £5.99 A flip top lid with inserted straw on this child’s drinking flask. Designed by 3D Livelife, featuring 3D picture of a wolf howling. Height 20cm Protection Spell Lavender Candle £6.50 Lisa Parker’s scented Lavender Spell candle - simply recite the spell three times. Each glass jar candle is approx 9cm overall height with a burn time of up to 20 hours.

15cm Lil’s Cuddlekins Soft Toy £5.20 A grey, beige & white 15cm soft feel wolf toy. Not suitable for small child as detachable eyes.

To view and order any of these items and our other stationery, clothing, books, gifts and souvenirs, visit our online shop at www.ukwolf.org or call 0118 971 3330.

Please note: all UK orders are subject to a Guardian of the North Throw £25.00 minimum P&P charge of £4.50. For overseas orders, please contact us. A 160cm fleece throw. Lisa Parker design of ‘Guardian of The North’ on one side & plain on reverse.

38 | Wolf Print Summer 2016 Wolf Print Summer 2016 | 39 Wolf Magnet £3.40 To view and order any of these items Chromium wolf howling magnet with UKWCT and our other stationery, clothing, the words printed in black ‘UK Wolf books, gifts and souvenirs, visit our Conservation Trust’. Size 6cm Calendar online shop at www.ukwolf.org or call 0118 971 3330. 2017 Please note: all UK orders are subject to a minimum P&P charge of £4.50. £8.50 For overseas orders, please contact us.

• A4 calendar opening to A3 • Features pictures of all ten Trust wolves • Planner with key dates and holidays

• Hole-punched for wall hanging • Supplied with mailing envelope for you to post to a friend • P&P charges apply. See page 40 for further information and how to order

Wolf Keyring £3.25 Chromium jointed wolf keyring. Designed exclusively for the Trust. Trust logo inserted on his tummy. Size 11.5cm

UKWCT Beenham Ralf T Shirt £16.50 A t shirt designed by Ralf Nature. Hand drawn image & then printed onto 190g weight 100% cotton t shirt. Picture printed on front only, with UK Wolf Conservation Trust. In the word ‘wolf’ the ‘o’ is a wolf’s face. The name of wolf/wolves set below the text. Choice of French Navy or Brick Red. Chest Sizes – Sizes XS 96cm, S 100cm, M 106cm, L 112cm, XL 116cm, 2XL 124cm

40 | Wolf Print Summer 2016 Wolf Print Summer 2016 | 41 FORTHCOMING EVENTS 11th September, 8th October 9am to11am £60 per person. Maximum 16 people. . Age 18+ – BOOKING ESSENTIAL Tuesday 4th October, 10am to 3pm. £80 per person (no wolf walk included). Suitable for all abilities. – BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Enjoy a walk with our magnificent Arctic wolves and theEnjoy a walk with our magnificent they provide. View wonderful photographic opportunities know the wolves and spend time getting to all of the Trust’s animals. Afterwards,handlers who work with these amazing souvenir!there will be time to shop for a wolfy Arctic Amble Day Photography Each of the four wolf packs can be photographed from an adjoining enclosure where there are specially made holes for cameras, giving great results. Expert handlers will encourage the wolves to stand in the best position in their enclosures. You will also be able to use our special raised photography platform. During the day the handlers will give a tour of the wolf trust, seeing all of wolves and learning about each individual. Refreshments available but not lunch included, so please bring your own 6pm

Tour the Trust and see the wolves up close the Trust Tour and howling session photography opportunities Wolf of bats in the UK Presentation by an expert on the life long-eared bats flying at dusk to see round the Trust Walk • • • • to many bats, many of which live in is home The Trust nesting boxes on trees. 17th September, £15 per person. Age 8+ – BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Note: Please check the website for start times as they vary throughout the year. Wolf Viewing & Wolf Viewing Bat Walk you’ll have access to the raised photographic platform on site. Hear them howling during the day and watch them being fed at 2pm. have picnic areas for warmer days, a We gift shop for you to browse for books and souvenirs, and plenty of free parking. During the summer school holidays Owen’s Animals and Quirks Animal Road will be on site with a variety of animals. opportunity to let out a howl and to let out a howl opportunity (Don’t see if the wolves respond! warmly for an forget to dress up stars). The event evening under the around 9 to usually finishes from 9.30pm.

ADMISSION: Adults – £8; Members, children (age 3-12) & OAPs – £5; ADMISSION: Adults – £8; Members, children (age 3-12) & Wednesdays – Open from 11am to 4pm Children under 3 – FREE. Tickets on the gate only. Sorry, no dogs on site. Children under 3 – FREE. Tickets on the gate only. Sorry, no

Visit Wednesdays give you the opportunity to Wednesdays Visit without pre-booking, come and see the Trust will be able to unlike our other events. You observe our ten very charismatic wolves – from our three Arctics with their amazing white coats, to our enigmatic black Canadian wolves – and have a guided tour with one of our knowledgeable volunteers. There will be fantastic photographic views of the wolves in their large, natural-looking enclosures and ’ UKWCT Wolf Centre ‘Visit Wednesdays . Age 8+ – BOOKING ESSENTIAL £10 per person. 2nd September, 28th October, 2nd September, 7pm to 9.30pm 2nd December, 25th November,

Feel your backbone tingle and backbone tingle Feel your sound of vibrate with the your ears The evening the wolves howling. on wolf starts with a presentation will then go communication; you and have the on a tour of the Trust Howl Nights Howl FORTHCOMING EVENTS FORTHCOMING THE ULTIMATE WOLF DAY: a magical lupine experience

• Spend an amazing day at the UKWCT in the company of our ten wolves • Walk with BOTH the Arctic and Canadian wolves • The day involves TWO walks, allowing you to observe the wolves while they investigate the countryside around the Trust • Photograph the wolves as they: interact with each other, investigate various scents, paddle in the pond or stream and howl to the other wolves left behind

FORTHCOMING EVENTS • Together with our experts, you will then feed the wolves and get involved with our wolf enrichment programme • See close up how we care for these magnificent animals • Learn about the worldwide projects currently supported by the UKWCT and in the last twenty years

Make sure to bring your own lunch, tea and coffee will be provided.

Check website for future dates – www.ukwct.org.uk £175 per person, £300 for 2 people. Limited spaces. Age 18+ – BOOKING ESSENTIAL.

Wolf Discovery Day NEW FOR Spend the whole day studying in depth wolf behaviour close up by observing and getting involved with the welfare of our ten 2016 resident wolves. Learn about wolf pack structure, our wolves’ personalities and take close up photos.

You will have the opportunity to: • Listen to a presentation about wolf behaviour. • Learn personal information on our ten resident wolves. • Prepare their food and feed the wolves. • Take part in our enrichment programme for the wolves, which differs daily, and observe the behaviours shown. Learn how we keep our wolves healthy and happy. • Have a tour inside one of our enclosures whilst the wolves are in a different holding area and learn about the habitat we keep our wolves in. • Undertake wolf tracking and learn how to use our telemetry equipment with our wolfkeeper Mike, who has tracked wolves in the wild. • Have a howling session to encourage the wolves to howl back. • Have a wrap up presentation about the projects we support. Learn what needs to happen for wolves and humans to coexist in the future. • Close up photo opportunities throughout the day.

Make sure to bring your own lunch, tea and coffee will be provided.

Check website for future dates – www.ukwct.org.uk £90 Per person. Age 18+ – BOOKING ESSENTIAL.