Katrin Hann

Being grown up with animals I soon realized that animals should play a central role in my live and so, the decision to study zoology at the University Vienna arised automatically. During my study I primarily focused on animal as well as on human behaviour but always was mainly interested in any kind of human-animal-relationship. Various internships (e. g. Zoo Schönbrunn) but also the work as a volunteer in a veterinarian institution enabled me to gain practical experience. When I then became the chance to play an active part at the Wolf Science Center, it didn’t take me long to agree…

Due to the daily work with the wolves but mainly due to the assistance in raising up the wolf puppies I already had the possibility to learn a lot about those fascinating animals. Besides the practical work with our wolves and dogs I am also working on the administrative sector. Together with my colleague Margot Nemecek I am organizing the guided tours to enable visitors to gain more information about wolves as well as the research work done at the WSC. Thus, those who have attended a guided tour yet, may already have met me ;O)

At the moment I am preparing my master thesis about social support in wolves and dogs. I would like to investigate whether there are behavioural and physiological differences when they are confronted with a potential stressful situation while gaining support from various social partners (dogs and humans).

In future I would like to concentrate more on the human-animal-relationship domain. The main target of my future planned training objectives is to gain further skills on the sector of animal training and animal psychology with focus on dog training and dog psychology, as well as animal-aided therapy for physically and mentally disabled people.

In the meanwhile I am lucky to play an active part at the WSC as well as being able to contribute my part to the wolf-dog-human-relationship understanding.