History
Duchess came to Wild Spirit along with her two brothers, Geronimo and Tatanka, and mother, Princess, when the Sanctuary hired a woman who owned the four animals. The owner had bred Princess and bottle-raised Geronimo and Duchess. They were very well socialized early-on and even acted as ambassadors for Wolves and Wildlife in Northern Californa, and the California Wolf Center. Unfortunately, their socialization was not consistent, making Duchess a very timid animal today. When they arrived at Wild Spirit, the two boys were taken to be neutered, and unfortunately, Tatanka never woke up from anesthesia. From that point on, Duchess and Geronimo were placed in an enclosure beside their mother, Princess, who was then alone. After the owner left Wild Spirit, the animals moved onto the tour path where they could receive more attention.
How Can I Help Duchess?
It takes fifteen sponsors to provide the basic care for each of our wolves and wolf-dogs for an entire year. This does not include the cost of medication, vet visits, enclosures repairs, or enrichment treats.
Profile
Bio: Duchess is a Timber/Arctic wolf. Both of her brothers have passed away; Tatanka passed away several years ago, and Geronimo in March of 2010. Her mother, Princess, passed away in July of 2008.
Living Arrangements: Duchess lives with a high-content wolf-dog, Kota.
Am I On the Tour Path? "Yes, but in my large enclosure, I might be hard to spot. Otherwise, I am right near the front and usually jump to my feet when tours approach."
Personality: It was difficult for us to get to know Duchess since her decreased sociability had made her a hands-off animal. However, when her brother passed away, we began to encourage interaction from Duchess with great results! She now asks for inner-thigh rubs and rear scratches. She still becomes spooked very easily, and will retreat when too many people are around her enclosure. Duchess likes to flirt with her neighbor, Doc, from across the corridor. Kota and Duchess are beginning to build a relationship, and two have recently been seen playing together.
Likes: Enrichment items, inner thigh rubs, and playing in her pond.
Dislikes: Leyton, Kota hogging all the attention, and being approached heads-on.
Fun Fact: Many of the animals at the Sanctuary like to catch ravens, but no one is as good as Duchess. Whether it's a game to her or a wolf on a mission, she will go after any raven slow enough to catch. Likes many of the animals, she never eats it, but seems to keep it as a trophy.
My Wishlist: "I am lucky enough to have a pond in my enclosure, but when the weather is too hot, you can't sleep in the water! Instead, what about a misting system to hang on my fence? That way, I can comfortably sleep away the summer afternoons."
