Uinta – Wonder in the Wildlife Garden

Blog, Wolves | July 15, 2010

Perhaps because of relentless hunting, wolves are extraordinarily hardwired for fear. If you are not able to bond with them very early, a window is closed and humans are forever something to be scared of. Some wolves seem to be extra hardwired for fear and there is little you can do even if you do get them early.

In the case of Uinta, we didn’t get him early, and he was by nature an especially fearful wolf. He was presented to us as a high content wolf hybrid but his behavior was all wolf. He was unbonded, untrusting, and unhandlable.

 Seeing him day after day, in fear; unable to run free because we were unable to get him to the Garden was a constant ache for us. Unwilling to see him consigned to a life in his enclosure, we decided to try something radical. We would tranquilize him, always a risk in a panicky animal - their fear pumps the adrenalin counteracting the drug if one gives too much trying to overcome it and they could die. Once down, we would put a short chain around his neck. That would give him a chance to get used to it and adjust himself to the feel, the drag, the sound of it, thus reducing some of the overwhelming stimuli when it came time to move him. Then when appropriate, we would clip on a longer chain with which we could walk him to the Garden.

We consulted with our vet for the best medication and dosage given the situation and his temperament and used a tranquilizer gun to give the medication. Finally we were able to fasten the chain.

 He woke up and predictably panicked but as he wasn’t restricted by it, over the days we could see him adapting to it and easing. When the time felt right we entered and fastened a long chain to the short one. Enough for one day. We took it off and let him digest what happened – that in fact he lived and was unharmed. After several days of this we brought out his companion, Cucumber the self-styled House Wolf (see story). He adores her and we hoped her total trust in us would give him courage. I stood outside the enclosure with Cucumber while Jean put on the long chain and went out the gate. Utter panic. Four paws pushing frantically back against the gate and a tug of the chain. Suddenly, a great leap through and he was out! And – wonder of wonders - relatively calm. He sort of walked, with fits and starts and startled leaps, following Cucumber as she happily trotted towards the Garden. Then another gate. Cucumber jumped through and waited on the other side eager to be let free, but she had a job to do - she needed to stay near to let Uinta know it wasn’t a trap. More chaos, panic, Jean entering the gate with a leaping twisting panicked wolf behind him saying NEVER!! Then with a great leap he was in! And immediately in a state of wonder. It was as if he had suddenly entered another planet - one with soft, moist green grass; trees waving gently in the breeze, and freedom to run. There was such a look of amazement and joy on his face that I spontaneously started to cry. It was unbelievably poignant and beautiful. Cucumber raced around the Garden and he, despite the macho animal he was, looked to her for guidance in this new world as he explored, bit by wondering bit, getting into it more and more.

The next day there was a profound change in him. There was a light in his eye that was dramatically noticeable. There was a spring in his step and he was warmer towards us. I would like to report that it has gotten easier with time but it is sporadic. Some days it is relatively ok, and other days we have to leave it. But once out, he walks as if he had always walked on a leash, and once through the Garden gate there is sheer beauty and graceful running and unbounded joy. We will stick with it until the whole process is pleasurable for him. We will share the video with you when we get there.

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