Wolf trip in the UK

Guess what I did yesterday?

I went to a wolf conversation centre. There, we got to see the wolves in their large enclosures, like they were seriously big- I could barely see where the back of it was. It was filled with mounds, trees and a mini water fall and lake, they also had standing stations to play and lay on. They also had lovely warm shelters with hay and heating if they choose to go in them.

We witnessed the younger wolves howling, making the rest of the wolves around the park howl along. It was a truly a magical experience. I had never seen a wolf in real life before, so it was amazing to watch them.

We then we put into this room where we were taught about wolves. I knew the majority of it, however, the history of the wolf I did not know. I had no clue that the Church back in those days were one of the major influences on wolf hunting and their terrible name. However, that was years ago mind you. There are many other factors- Little Red Riding hood, and other religions.

We then finished that talk because the wolves were howling again, making the presentation impossible. So we then all exited out into a field where they brought out three wolves, who were siblings, on a leash for us to get up and personal with them and to help them showing us that wolves are not these horrible beasts.

We then walked with Nuka, Tala and the Alpha Female Tundra, though she came no where near us as she was inspecting us, making sure we were no danger to her pack. We then were allowed to meet the wolves and stroke their bellies- we had to be lower than them. We were allowed to do this as they were still timid from young age and they had been bred for many years to be used to educate people.

Here are photos of the three we walked with: (I did not take any of these photos. My friend has all the photos, so you'll have to make do with these ones)



We then went into a large shed where they showed us what they fed the wolves. They fed them, roadkill, rabbits shot by farmers, butcher meat and donations. Everyone was pretty disgusted by the smell and them cutting up sheep bowls. I wasn't. Smelly sheep guts don't bother me.

We then moved over to the Arctic wolves enclosure where we watched them feed the wolves and ask questions. There we met



We then moved over to two separate enclosures where we met:  (Mosi and Mai are sister and they really didn't like each other. They were growling at each other- which is why they were seperated. Mai was put in with Motomo as he was only young (they didn't know he was sexually mature) and needed a friend- however, he got too close and the park ended up with three cubs- Nuka,Tala and Tundra.)



After meeting all the wolves, we bought some stuff from the gift shop and piled onto the bus before going back home. That was my wolf trip experience.

I think this is the best thing I have seen in my whole life. I wasn't sure on how I'd like it as these animals are in captivity, but after seeing how much these wolves are cared for and loved, and how happy they are. I never once saw any wolf pacing their enclosure. I'm so lucky to have met these wonderful wolves and workers. They're trying so hard to work with people to understand wolves and working with charities to help wolves in other countries. I hope with their efforts we will at least put wild wolves back into Scotland.

Where about?

It was in Reading, England.

That is so cool, Jo! You were really fortunate to get to experience that! I have never seen a wolf in the flesh before, and that sounds so awesome. Maybe one day. Anyway, glad you had fun!

Wow, that sound so awesome! I've seen some wolves, but only in zoos and they didn't appear to be too happy... I'm glad you got to see some happy and cared for wolves though! One of these days, mark my words, I will too.

I'm sooo jealouse because of what you've doneeee~ xD

Mhwahahah!!! I'm sorry hun. Being Bristish and awesome has it's perk. Wow. I sounded like Rebby then ahahah

I wish I was British. The sights and history!! *sighs* Pfft, one of these days you'll see me walking your streets. One of these days.

Hahahha. Come to Winchester! It's a really old place, you'll love it :3

Oh, you lucky Brit. Ailis was right, its seems gorgeous over there. And so much history, which I happen to love. Living in a young country can be a bummer. I'm American. I'll find my way across the pond some day!

I've lived in Europe, and yet my parents never visited the UK, Spain, and Romania. :c I would love Winchester, and I especially want to travel to places like Glastonbury Tor!~

I've never been there and I live in the UK haha

Double posting because I'm naughty.~
Just to tell ya guys, that there a video of my trip~ I'm in it at one point, though all you can see is the back of my red short hair.~

Neat little video, there!

Awe I am soo jelly, I would love to do something like that. Random thing, but there are breeds of dogs that are half husky and half wolf and they are beautiful. I have been doing work experience at a vet clinic and someone brought one in and I was taken away how much it looked like a wolf over a husky. I am getting myself one, one day. But yea just a random thing, so if you want a dog that is part wolf or looks like a wolf I would suggest getting one. Here is where they bought their dog from, just so you can get an idea of what they look like http://www.wolfhuskypups.com/

I agree that they are beautiful. I've always wanted a wolfdog,but I won't let myself. I disgree with owning one, though, you know, if ya want one, get one haha. Though, a word of advice. Look into the breed before getting it, that goes with any dog. Don't go getting a Jack Russell without knowing that they're crazy and never stop! Don't go getting a beagle if you don't know that once they up a scent, goodluck getting it back to you. Each breed, including Wolfdogs, have their own little information pack that you need to know.

Wolfdogs can come in three different levels (I guess that is the right word). Basically, its how much wolf is in them, so high, medium or low. Warning with wolfdogs, they may seem like a dog, but remember that they are not dogs. They are part dog, they still have wolf in them. They might display dog behaviour or wolf. You don't know until you get one. They could be your best friend, or they could be very territorial just like a wolf. If you have one, don't train it like your dog, train it as though it is a wolf, a wild animal.

So just be careful if you want one, you never know what ya gonna get.

Peace out :3

PS. Luna you are so lucky to have work experience at the vets. Jealous!

Oh, I would love to have a wolfdog, but it's just not very realistic. Not for me at least.

And yes, Jo is offering some good advice. You never know what you're gonna get. With a responsible owner who really does their research and applies it, a wolfdog can be a great pet. But, even with the right owner, it can be a problem.

The only thing I'd add is make sure you do your research on breeders. Their are loads of scams out there surrounding this kind of stuff. Some of them are puppy mills, others from dogs with unhealthy/closely related lines that can cause numerous health and behavioral problems, and some are just claiming their dogs have wolf content when they really don't. You gotta be careful, because a lot of 'breeders' are just in it for the money. I'd just advise you to be extra cautious about selecting a breeder.

Also, you've gotta keep in mind what wolves are like. Real wolves only mate in winter and give birth in spring. Breeders expecting litters in summer, fall, or winter can't be selling part-wolf dogs. There are things like that to look out for. Be sure to keep an eye out for little details like that, especially in direct wolf-to-dog matings.

If I were you, I'd be certain to visit the breeder, visit the facility, and meet your puppy's parents. I'd ask to see third generation health records for both of the dogs parents. Epilepsy, degenerative myelopathy, hip and elbow dysplasia, and all kinds of other horrible diseases are very common in wolfdogs.

Also, beware of breeders advertising a very specific content on pups. Like Jo explained, there are three basic degrees of wolf content, high, mid and low---this is true. But, it is impossible to determine the specific percentage. Anybody selling pups with 67% or 23% or 98% or whatever% wolf content is definitely lying.

Be sure to ask the breeder lots and lots of questions! An honest breeder should easily and happily be able to answer all of your questions. If they can't or won't answer something, pull out. Ask everything and ask to see everything! Better safe than sorry!

I certainly hope I haven't come off as rude or discouraging in any way to anyone. I had no intention to make anybody feel bad, I just feel very strongly about this topic. Just trying to share what I know, in case I've saved anybody from a bad mistake.

Anywho, I hope you love your future wolfdog Luna!

Fyrebane is very correct.

Also, if any of ya get a puppy or dog, I expect to see lots and lots of photos. Puppies are my weakness. hahaha :3

Hehehe and yea I totally look into getting a dog before I get one. I like them but I prefer short haired over long haired so I wont get one myself. I agree I think that having one as a pet it not the best things as the are part wolf and they are wild animals and not pets so they could be very unpredictable. But yea I will def send pictures if I get a puppy/dog anytime soon, maybe with permission from the owner if a pup comes into the clinic I can take a picture and show you guys :3

YES. Must. See. Cute. Pictures.

I will def keep that in mind then :3

Anyone watch the puppy bowl? hahahaha.

Hehe, no.

I tried to watch the actual Super Bowl, because I actually really like to watch American football, but instead I got stuck playing Go Fish with a four-year-old and a five-year old. Curse you mom. But the Broncos got slaughtered out there anyway, so it wasn't much of a game.