Example #3

The easiest way to give medical care is to relax a wolf into what we call a "bunny lesson." This technique involves stimulating the bi-lateral scratch reflex along the midline of the belly. It's called a "bunny lesson" because if you do it just right, the wolf will kick his hind legs. With a little imagination, well maybe a lot of imagination, it kind of looks like he is hopping like a bunny :-)

This restraint technique has the advantage of not making the animal "feel" restraint - they can get up any time they want to, but generally they don't want to get up at all. It may release endorphins and has the added advantage of embedding what otherwise might be a negative experience in a fun one.

While in the "bunny" position, Jill is able to check Miska's ears, teeth and even hold off a vein to habituate him to the sensations of having blood drawn. Treatment of eyes and ears with medication is also made easy through this restraint technique.

The important thing is to simply have fun.

All photographs & images © Monty Sloan & Wolf Park   For permission to use or for more information about wolf photographs please check with Monty Sloan