Rescued wolf pups survive reintroduction into pack

A pair of wolf pups, adopted as pets, returned on Tuesday to some familiar surroundings. They were introduced to a group of adults.

"Pup, pup, pups," calls Peggy Callahan as two adorable, friendly young wolves come running. And like any domesticated dog, these pups are eager to lick her face.

Two, four month old gray wolf pups were purchased by separate owners through a newspaper ad, then landed at Callahan's Wildlife Science Center when they became too much to handle.

There is a story behind 'every' animal that makes its way to Peggy Callahan, and the Wildlife Science Center. Most of those stories involve people who think wild animal babies would make a great pet.

"I think we need to take away that domestication is not the same as captivity. You can't take the tiger out of a tiger, or the wolf out of a wolf, simply by wanting to."

Tuesday marks a turning point for the young wolves. They will leave doting human handlers, and the security of their own pen behind, to join a pack of three adults. The move is necessary, but not without risk said Callahan.

"You like to think you can control situations, but in a situation like this, wolves can kill elk, if they want to kill these puppies I'm not convinced we could stop them."

Nerves are on edge, as the pups enter their new living space.

Chaya Nayoon is one of the handlers who has worked to prepare the pups, but who knows she has no say in what happens, "My main worry is that the little boy might not back down, I've watched him growl at adults, it's a huge worry."

The alpha female approaches one of the pups and the pup wisely submits. The adult female soon makes it clear that she will accept the youngsters.

A sigh of relief is heard from Nayoon and Callahan.

While this story appears to have an upbeat ending, many stories involving wild animals bought as pets, do not.

Callahan says there is great risk when people attempt to take the 'wild' out of wild things.

"They're not safe in our homes, and they're not comfortable in our homes, so they do what they do, and oftentimes take people down with them."

Peggy Callahan said things were peaceful in the pen at days end, but that's no guarantee there won't be trouble in a year or two when the pups reach adulthood, and challenge for a higher position in the pack.

By Dana Thiede, KARE 11 News.

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