Advice on mixed-species exhibit?

SafariCat

SafariCat

New Member
Hey does anyone have any information or advice on a black bear/gray wolf mixed-species habitat? Any direction would be appreciated, especially pertaining to advice on wolf management (i.e. digging deterrents, enclosure req's, etc...)
 
Here in Arizona, Out Of Africa wildlife park tried doing a predators of Arizona exhibit with wolf, mountain lion, black bear. The wolves did not like it and had to be pulled to their own exhibit. The two mountain lions and two black bears, however, remained in the same enclosure throughout their lives.

I do not know the details why the wolves did not work, but I am sure if you contact the park they will be happy to explain.
 
In addition to the details of wolf husbandry (and I wonder why you are posting on a fanzine forum rather than discussing this with zoo colleagues) you'll have to consider other social, topographical and behavioral needs of both species and how they complement each other or conflict. Can you build an exhibit large enough to accommodate both comfortably? Can you get the topography right so both species can be where they want when they want, avoid each other as they move about if that's what they want? etc.
 
I posted here as well as a couple other fanzine forums in addition to reaching out to colleagues. I figured the smartest approach was to hit any and all sources. We have the topography and more than enough space (Safari is over 400 acres of exhibit-usable land, and 600 acres total), I was more looking for insight into specific intricacies of pairing these two species, as well as unique ideas regarding wolf husbandry that have been successfully implemented elsewhere. Do you have any such ideas?
 
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