Enriching Sanctuary
- Emily Evans
- Dec 16, 2025
- 2 min read
By Gelane Clements, Animal Care Specialist
Published in Wolf Tracks vol. 42, no. III
Washington weather can be unpredictable. One day it’s over 90 degrees and the next day it’s pouring rain. Although this can be tiring for staff who have to work in changing conditions, one thing that makes it all worthwhile is the enrichment it provides for our sanctuary residents.
When high temperatures were scheduled over the summer, the animal care team decided it was time for frozen mini watermelons! This rollable chilled treat was an absolute hit, and many of the residents took their time trying to figure out how to pick the watermelons up and carry them around. Others, like male wolfdog Luca, gently peeled the skin off their watermelons before getting to the juicy center. Female wolfdog Layla took her own approach and laid down with her watermelon atop her favorite hill... what she did with it in the hours that followed is unknown.
On a much cooler day, staff gave out a classic favorite enrichment of fresh-cut catnip, donated by a longtime volunteer for the entire sanctuary! Some individuals went absolutely crazy for it. Animal care staff watched the interactions either in person while giving it out, or on remote camera. Female gray wolf Shasta carried her long catnip branch throughout her enclosure and rolled on it in different places, unable to figure out where the best rolling spot was. While she rolled on hers, male wolfdog Mesa had other plans. Instead of rolling, he had a full-on happy fit, tossing the branch high in the air and shaking it vigorously.
There is a special joy in watching our residents explore new enrichment items, and the fun and excitement that comes with it! We always look forward to exploring and creating new ideas to keep their minds stimulated and their lives exciting in sanctuary.
