Comparability

To enable scientific comparability between our wolves and dogs, we design handling, rearing, and housing conditions for both subspecies to be as similar as possible. However, because animal welfare is always our highest priority, we make exceptions to “equal treatment” where the differing needs of dogs and wolves require it:

Wolf pups are hand-reared from around two weeks of age, as such early and intensive socialization is essential for our work with wolves. Without it, they would remain shy and never fully trust us. For dog puppies, such an early separation from their mother is not necessary. Therefore, they typically stay with their mother a little longer and are brought into the project at around 3–4 weeks of age.

Another difference in rearing is that dog puppies are gradually accustomed to life in the group without constant human contact over a longer period. Otherwise, unlike wolves, they would suffer greatly from a sudden separation.

Feeding also differs, as the digestive system of dogs has changed over the course of domestication. Our dogs are fed once or twice daily with dry food, while wolves receive whole prey or parts of prey every 2–5 days, depending on the individual and the season.

In winter, dogs have access to heated huts, as most of our dogs’ coats are not as winter-hardy as those of their wild relatives, and they would otherwise be at risk of freezing in very low temperatures.

Suitable interns are gradually involved in the daily care of the dogs after an intensive training period (feeding, walking, administering medication if needed). Since building a relationship with the wolves takes significantly longer and due to safety reasons, only our animal care staff work directly with the wolves. The ongoing socialization of the wolves is ensured through our various visitor programs.