A new era arises...
I am currently living with wolf pups in an animal park north of the arctic cirkel in Norway. Here, I am working with the socialization and environmental enrichment of wolves in captivity.
It is important to note that wolves are not pets and can not be compared with dogs and my job is not to teach them tricks. Wolves are wild animals and they are their own. There is a saying, that you can teach a wolf everything that HE wants to learn.
My job is simply to live with them on their terms so that they grow up as wolves, with only one exeptions: That they do not fear man.
Wolves, wether they are wild og born in captivity, are fearfull of man and most non-socialized wolves live a life of fear and stress towards most people around them. Allthough many quickly become habituated, they still keep a safety distance and are always alert for posible danger.
Therefor it is valueble both to the wolves welfare and to the people that work with them and visit them, that they are socialized on humans so that they don't have to live their lives in fear.
My work is dedicated to the welfare and safety og wolves in captivity and for a shared educational purpose where the public can meet and learn more about the most misunderstood animal of them all; THE WOLF.
Living with wolves / 2008
____________________________________________________________ ________________
Julian sponsors DAKOTA at WILD SPIRIT WOLF SANTUARY. Click image of Dakota to help sponsor others!
Dakota, the only one of the cubs with a traditional "wolf name", was named by Chris, one of the newest volunteers at the Sanctuary during that time. He named him Dakota, because right from the start, he was friendly with everyone and the name translates to "Friend of All". Dakota is one of the most mischievous of all the puppies. He is notorious for stealing items from human visitors and running around the enclosure with them in an attempt to keep them. More than once a human has been seen chasing Dakota in circles around the enclosure trying to get something back!
Dakota is a good example of the high-strung nature of wolf cubs, as he is so excited over a human coming to visit, that he will bounce up and down trying to get a hold of their hair to hang on. While currently Dakota is a very stubborn boy on a leash, we are working very hard on walking him often and getting him used to leash walking. Currently, he also seems to be the most dominant member of the group; however, this can change from day to day at this age very easily.
Dakota is a pure Timber wolf.
____________________________________________________________ ________________
All slide show photos taken by Julian using Canon Eos 400D, 55-200mm.
All slide show photos taken by Julian using Canon Eos 400D, 55-200mm.
That which we do not understand - we fear. What we fear - we destroy / Photo taken by Julian
____________________________________________________________ ________________