April 17, 2012

Wolf Park's Wolf and Bison Demonstrations have been suspended by the United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS). Wolf Park is in the process of appealing this decision.

Early in 2012 the USDA received a complaint about the demonstration. Upon reviewing video(s) of the demonstration posted on YouTube, the USDA issued a report which states "...the following was observed. The wolves managed to get a yearling bison away from the herd. During this interaction the buffalo (sic) repeatedly kicked at the wolves, and the wolves did manage to grab the bison's tail." As such the USDA has instructed Wolf Park that "This practice needs to be discontinued" on the basis that the wolves and bison are not compatible, despite the fact that the report states "While the animal (re: yearling bison) did not appear stressed..."

Wolf Park is appealing the decision on the following grounds:

3.133 Separation - Animals housed in the same primary enclosure must be compatible. Animals shall not be housed near animals that interfere with their health or cause them discomfort. (From the Animal Welfare Act and Animal Welfare Regulations)

The wolves and bison are not permanently or primarily housed together. Over the years the bison have been regularly observed seeking out the wolves even when they are in their separate, primary enclosures.

From the Inspection Report:

...interaction in which the wolves and bison are in the same enclosure...

The wolves and bison are only in the same enclosure for the duration of the demonstration (approx. 40 minutes) and are never unsupervised.

...the buffalo repeatedly kicked at the wolves, and the wolves did manage to grab at the bison's tail.

This normal and natural behavior is frequently exhibited by the bison outside of the demonstration to other bison, for example, cows kick at calves, other cows and bulls. While it was remarked that the wolf did manage to "grab at" the tail, no damage was inflicted – as was evident to the staff, who inspect all of the demonstration animals after the program. Wolf Park has been presenting this program for over 30 years without an incident requiring attention from our herd health veterinarian.

...(the bison) did not appear stressed...

Overall the demonstration is weighted heavily in favor of the bison, who ultimately determine the level and the course of action (or lack thereof) during the demonstration. Often it is the bison who initiate contact / interaction with the wolves – i.e. leaving the herd to engage the wolves.

>Animals need to be housed in a manner that provides for their safety, health, and mental well-being. By allowing the animals to interact, where it is clear that the animals are not compatible, risks are taken in regard to their safety, health and wellbeing.

The wolf and bison interaction plays in important role in Wolf Park's comprehensive environmental enrichment program for both species. Wolf Park finds that this interaction ensures that the physical and psychological needs both species are being met by allowing them the opportunity to express specific aspects of their natural behavior in a controlled setting not otherwise possible in captivity. While not perhaps readily apparent on the YouTube video(s), safeguards are in place. These include, but are not limited to, deciding which and how many wolves participate in a given demonstration, which bison participate, and the timing and duration of the program.

Wolf Park is hopeful that after further review the USDA will reverse its decision. Until then, however, Wolf Park must abide the USDA's decision and cease this unique program.

We appreciate all of the support we have been receiving on this issue. We are currently appealing the decision, and request that individuals not contact the USDA on Wolf Park's behalf.