Kenai on “Vacation”
Posted at 9:00 am February 15, 2006 by Maureen O. Duryee
Kenai is our Arctic wolf. Currently he is staying with his brother, Keeli, at the San Diego Zoo’s Wegeforth Bowl because our area (Hunte Amphitheater) is getting a new roof over some of the enclosures. So, while all the hammering and welding is taking place, we thought it would be fun for the wolf brothers to spend some time together.
Kenai has spent Mondays with Keeli, but rarely would actually spend the night. He has been there for two weeks now and is having a great time. We visit Kenai every day, taking him for walks. Sometimes his brother accompanies us. If Keeli stays behind, it’s because he has another wild dog friend, Montana, the New Guinea singing dog. Montana weighs about 25 pounds (11 kilograms) but has an attitude as if she weighed 250 pounds (113 kilograms!). She has her 95-pound (43-kilogram) wolf friend, Keeli, wrapped around her little paw. Keeli will take a back seat when Montana barks, looks disappointed, or even cocks her head to one side in a curious manner. While Kenai has been sleeping over with his brother, Montana has been playing it solo; when Kenai is out for his walk, Keeli and Montana have time to play together.
Kenai has been seen on Reptile Mesa, his new favorite stomping ground. For some reason, Kenai loves to watch the Galápagos tortoises there. He will run to the exhibit and watch in fascination as these large boulders move or eat. Then it’s off to see the gharials and other Reptile Mesa inhabitants. One can only wonder why he is attracted to these interesting animals. But we find it relaxing and stimulating all at the same time. Kenai will return to Hunte Amphitheater at the end of February. We are all looking forward to his return and are happy to offer him a new and improved compound.
Maureen O. Duryee is an animal trainer at the San Diego Zoo’s Hunte Amphitheater
Read a previous blog about the wolf brothers.
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February 15th, 2006 at 9:29 am
I love hearing about the wolves and their curiosity. Would it be possible for you to post a picture of Montana and Keeli? Thank you for all of the wonderful information.
February 15th, 2006 at 9:32 am
Why aren’t Kenai and Keeli together all the time? What is the problem? I imagine that they could be happier than being separated the whole week but Mondays.
February 15th, 2006 at 10:11 am
Maureen, thanks so much for the fascinating look at the wolves backstage at the Wegeforth Bowl. They are such beautiful animals! And I’m happy to read that the Zoo still has a New Guinea Singing Dog. Is Montana the only one, or is the troop still together? With her singing and Keeli’s howling, they must be a most musical team!
February 15th, 2006 at 2:58 pm
We had the pleasure of meeting Kenai and his canine buddy (I’m pretty sure it was the famous Sven Olaf…but I could be wrong) on Christmas Day. What a beautiful, beautiful wolf he is. We took one fantastic picture of him that is one of our favorite shots that we’ve EVER taken. Thank you so much for the story.
February 15th, 2006 at 3:05 pm
Thanks, Maureen, for two great updates, on the wolves and Delilah–you’re a terrific storyteller, so if you ever decide to quit training animals, I think you might make a go at an alternate career! It’s a pleasure to read about these creatures and their behavior–thanks again.
February 18th, 2006 at 12:40 pm
Too cute! I, too, would love to see a picture of Keeli and Montana. Glad Kenai is having some R&R on vacation.
February 20th, 2006 at 10:57 am
Maureen,
I like your observations about the wolves’ behavior…being as smart as they are, it is interesting for me to read what they actually do when given the chance…
Ann
February 21st, 2006 at 8:11 am
I was wondering the same thing as #2…why Kenai and his brother aren’t together all of the time? Is it because they are both males and in the wild they would go their own way as they got old to form their own pack? They are both such beautiful animals and seem to have delightful personalities. Is Kenai still the “trash detective”…always finding someone’s garbage to pick up? And that story with Delilah and Tundra was hysterical!!! I laughed out loud. I only wish I had been there to see it. You are a great storyteller!Keep ‘em coming. There’s not much of a chance that I’ll make it to CA since I live in Ohio, so it keeps me up to date. Keep up the good work!! I just luv you guys.