Wolf cubs make their debut
From the Press & Journal 21 st June 2000
The newest arrivals to swell the size of Scotland's only wolf pack made their first public appearance yesterday.
Six cubs have been born to a female wolf at the Highland Wildlife Park at Kincraig, near Aviemore, and have started to emerge from their den at four weeks.
The cubs, all thought to be male, are the largest single litter at the park, and have seen the pack increase from 12 to 18 animals.
Their mother, Dubh (black in Gaelic) went underground to give birth on May 6 and the cubs have now begun to emerge from the den. It is the third litter of cubs born to Dubh and dominant male, Tor (Gaelic for hill).
Jeremy Usher-Smith, the director of the park, said yesterday: "Six cubs is the biggest single group that the park has had.
"We are sure that these new arrivals will be a big hit with the public. This is a very proud day for everyone involved with the park."
Tor, however, may face a coup in the form of the pack's second male, Teine (Gaelic for fire), who has been much in evidence with the cubs over the past few days.
Mr Usher-Smith added: "It is interesting in that when Teine is around the cubs he cleans them and licks them and has actually gone into the earth with the cubs, a role which should be taken over by the alpha male.
"But yesterday he did have his throat exposed, which is a sign of submissiveness, so he is not challenging Tor; he is a politician and likes to be in the limelight."
The wolf pack is well established, having been an attraction at the park since 1972.
Wolves live in highly organised social groups with a well-structured hierarchy in which the pack is led by a dominant alpha male and female. Only that female is permitted to breed in a system which ensures stability and co-operation. In the wild, packs hunt together and share prey.
© Press & Journal: 21 st June 2001
 |
 |
 |
| Return to index | Return to Exotic Scottish Animals | Return to Wolves |