Madadh, a beautiful black Canadian Wolf came to Wolf Watch with her brother Kgosi in April 1999. From the time of their arrival until three months later, normality at Wolf Watch became a thing of the past or perhaps life just followed a different pattern.
Feeding every two hours, tummy rubbing, bottom wiping and worrying about their welfare took precedence over all other concerns. Madadh’s eyes opened at fifteen days and shortly afterwards prior to her ears unfolding, she resembled a small black bear. For a few weeks they cuddled together in a cardboard box partly covered by a blanket to simulate the darkness of an underground den.
At three weeks Madadh decided to go on hunger strike and lost weight quickly. A vet friend diagnosed a tummy bug and drip feeding with glucose sustained her until all was well. Then, as before, a tea-towel was wrapped around the ‘feeding arm’ as eager little claws raked frantically in conjunction with a hungry mouth to empty the milky bottle in record time.
At eight weeks the two ‘miniatures’ were transported outside to a purpose built nursery and after a good spring clean normality was restored to the kitchen. They continued rapid growth and their coats developed a beautiful silver panel along the length of their backs.
At three months, life for Madadh and her brother changed dramatically. Introducing them to their surrogate mother’s enclosure was a little bit ‘heart in the mouth’. Although well aware of their presence through sight, sound and scent this was to be Ayla’s first direct contact with the pups. The risk was calculated as minimal due to the timing of their introduction and Ayla’s exceptional disposition. In the event, acceptance was instant and a well balanced relationship soon developed.
Madadh has developed into a gentle, good natured Wolf that relishes company and attention from fellow Wolves and visitors. Hopefully she will follow in Ayla’s paw-prints, enjoying her environment and assisting in the education programmes at the centre.
To adopt Madadh click on the join now oval button on the top banner just above and utilise the form provided.
In the Wolf video section on this web site you will find unique video footage of Madadh at the Centre, as well as all the other resident Wolves. You can reach this by clicking on the button link below, but you will need Quicktime player to view this and any of the other video footage on this web site. There is a link in the Wolf video page to obtain Quicktime player if you do not have it already.
