FA+
Shop
Reminiscing
3 years ago
I found myself thinking last night about the time I went to Wolf Park (in Indiana... it was like my dozenth time there) with my current roommate Kurst. I was a sponsor of 2 wolves, so that meant that I got to go INTO the enclosures and meet the wolves in person. Kurst is very into coyotes (a fact that surprises NONBODY who knows him) and became a sponsor for the resident yote (Wild Bill) at the park so he could go in with him.
That first day, his inexperience meant he wore shorts, and you can't wear those when you go in with the animals. Shorts gives a clear line separating them from your skin and that makes the wolves obsess with grabbing them and pulling on them. So, he had to sit out the first day and watch as I went in to visit Tristan.
One of the things you learn before they take you in is that When you're in the airlock waiting for the inner door to open, you need to be DIRECTLY behind the person in front of you so there isn't a gap the wolves can use to sneak into the airlock. (They're not trying to escape, it's just a game for them: How long can they stay in the airlock before the keepers figure out how to get them back in the enclosure? Then, when the door is opened, the first person steps in and then immediately to the side, so the next person can come in immediately.
So, I was like the third person in the line (Nobody EVER goes in with the wolves alone.) and when it was my turn, I step forward and then to the side, and WHAM! These huge white paws are suddenly on my chest and Chetan (AKA Fluffy, mate of Tristan's sister Erin) is leaning in to smell my breath and to "muzzle greet" me. I instantly felt the tension in everyone else go through the roof, but I just started talking calmly to him saying, "Well, yes, I love you too. You smell that? I just had chicken for lunch. Sorry, I didn't bring you any." etc. And while I was doing that and he was licking my mouth, I reached one hand and pet him exactly correctly: Halfway up the shoulder (any higher and they might think you're trying to control their head... they don't like that)
After that, Chetan acted like he had claimed me and wouldn't let Tristin or Erin near me for the rest of the visit.
When Kurst and I were driving back to the hotel for the night, I said something he's never forgotten. I was quiet for a couple of minutes and then just blurted out, "I still taste wolf spit."
All part of the fun of visiting the wuffs!
That first day, his inexperience meant he wore shorts, and you can't wear those when you go in with the animals. Shorts gives a clear line separating them from your skin and that makes the wolves obsess with grabbing them and pulling on them. So, he had to sit out the first day and watch as I went in to visit Tristan.
One of the things you learn before they take you in is that When you're in the airlock waiting for the inner door to open, you need to be DIRECTLY behind the person in front of you so there isn't a gap the wolves can use to sneak into the airlock. (They're not trying to escape, it's just a game for them: How long can they stay in the airlock before the keepers figure out how to get them back in the enclosure? Then, when the door is opened, the first person steps in and then immediately to the side, so the next person can come in immediately.
So, I was like the third person in the line (Nobody EVER goes in with the wolves alone.) and when it was my turn, I step forward and then to the side, and WHAM! These huge white paws are suddenly on my chest and Chetan (AKA Fluffy, mate of Tristan's sister Erin) is leaning in to smell my breath and to "muzzle greet" me. I instantly felt the tension in everyone else go through the roof, but I just started talking calmly to him saying, "Well, yes, I love you too. You smell that? I just had chicken for lunch. Sorry, I didn't bring you any." etc. And while I was doing that and he was licking my mouth, I reached one hand and pet him exactly correctly: Halfway up the shoulder (any higher and they might think you're trying to control their head... they don't like that)
After that, Chetan acted like he had claimed me and wouldn't let Tristin or Erin near me for the rest of the visit.
When Kurst and I were driving back to the hotel for the night, I said something he's never forgotten. I was quiet for a couple of minutes and then just blurted out, "I still taste wolf spit."
All part of the fun of visiting the wuffs!
Thanks for sharing this wonderous moment with us. :)
I will forgo the " You Jammy Jammy etc " rant