Saturday, April 14, 2007

Full of Surprises


When a new animal arrives at Wild Spirit, we’re always excited to watch their personalities develop… It’s rewarding to watch an animal become more comfortable, interesting to watch how they adapt to their new surroundings, and inspiring when they make the first move toward interaction with one of us, if it is not immediate.
The five additions from the Oregon trip have been no exception. Axel remains the shyest, though he too, is beginning to be more curious – coming closer to people, sniffing with interest at tours and volunteer passers-by.
Sierra’s curiosity has begun pushing her further and further, and while at first, Yukon was getting breakfast-and-a-half each morning, I even saw Sierra stealing more than her fair share from her previously braver companion this morning.
Lani has already won the hearts of many of our volunteers, with her playfulness, her antics, and her pushy-way of asking for attention. She’s full of energy, yearning for scratches, and quite the trickster.
Yukon & Nakota, however, have by far given the most surprises. Nakota has taken to “nipping” volunteers on the way out of his enclosures. One morning, one of our volunteers came into the office and quite confusedly, but seriously said to me, “I’m not sure what to think of it, but I’m pretty sure Nakota just bit me.” Upon further investigation, I found that it was by no means an aggressive bite, but more of a “nip” for attention. Later in the week, two more volunteers were “bit” by this naughty fellow, and it’s become almost as regular of an occurrence as Mr. Shyloh’s morning nibbles. I mentioned this in a recent email to his previous owner, who informed me that this was a habit he developed toward people he enjoyed. It certainly seems to be an affectionate “taste,” and I myself am hoping to get a nip one of these days when I least expect it. I suppose it’s almost unfortunate that I’ve learned to be so cautious and observant – I’m missing out on the fun with Nakota!
Yukon, however, has not left me out of his antics. He’s a very brave boy these days, and perhaps was always the bravest. When Leyton and I were driving them from Oregon, I was amazed at how calm this boy was, even after he had destroyed the side of his kennel, and we began carefully reaching in to feed and water him. While we did so with great caution, Yukon seemed unaffected, and almost comforted by the short pets we offered him.
Now, while Yukon has not solicited for actually “scratches,” he has approached myself and his new caretaker, Allison, on several occasions-- some head-on… others, with an element of surprise.
It wasn’t more than a week ago that I was bent over in the enclosure, cleaning Yukon & Sierra’s water, that I felt something cold & wet on the small of my back. As I turned, I jumped what felt like a full foot in the air when I saw Mr. Yukon, a mischevious look on his face, staring back at me. On another occasion, I had brought some treats in for the “new kids” and while I didn’t hear or a see a thing, Yukon had somehow managed to steal the whole bag from directly beside me. Tonight, Allison relayed a story of Yukon deciding he wanted some excitement, play-bowing and running around her in circles.
In the beginning stages, the more sociable an animal becomes, the more cautious we must be when interacting with them. But it sure adds excitement to the “ride.” And as Yukon & Nakota begin testing the boundaries, experimenting with how far their mischievousness can take them, I can’t help but feel joy in their acceptance. To know, that just now, they are beginning what will hopefully be many years of naughtiness, trickery, mischief and experimentation, well, that’s where the real reward comes from… that’s what makes each day worth while – and full of surprises!