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zoo, assumed the care of the pup and confirmed via DNA testing that the pup was a Gray wolf. After unsuccessful attempts to locate the pup’s pack, Idaho officials began looking for a suitable home for the rescued animal. Idaho Fish and Game along with the host zoo, Zoo Boise, selected Busch Gardens Virginia as Boise’s new home based on the park’s extensive experience with wolf training, husbandry and education programs.The Williamsburg theme park is home to 10 wolves split into three packs, including two six-week-old pups the park recently acquired from a private breeder in Montana. Idaho state officials transported the eight-week-old male by airplane to the Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport in June. A team of wolf experts from Busch Gardens met the plane at the airport and took custody of the pup. “Because of our 12-year experience with wolves and the fact that we already
had two wolf pups at the park played a major role in the decision by Idaho state officials to choose Busch Gardens for the pup’s new home,” said Jay Tacey, zoological manager for Busch Gardens. Tacey said Boise immediately took to his new pack, which consisted of the two wolf pups and a German short-haired pointer named Mia who is serving as their surrogate mother. Eventually Boise and the two pups will be introduced to one of Busch Gardens’ three mature wolf packs. Until then, Mia, the surrogate mother, has taken on the role of pack leader and is ensuring the pups remain submissive until they are transitioned into the larger pack with an already established pack hierarchy. Once integrated into the pack, Boise and his young pack mates will help
teach the public about the important role wolves and other apex predators play in the wild.“The young pack mates are getting along and adjusting very well,”Tacey said.“They are playing and discovering their new home.” Daily stage productions and interactive training opportunities let Busch Gardens’ guests experience the power and agility of these animals while they learn about the company’s wildlife conservation efforts and ways they can help. “Boise has been given a second chance at life thanks to the leadership and support of Idaho Fish and Game, Zoo Boise and the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries,”Tacey said. Learn more about wolves and Busch Gardens other animal ambassadors by visiting www.buschgardensvablog.com.
Discover New Ways to Experience History at Tryon Palace! At Tryon Palace, students and teachers of all ages can participate in a living history experience like no other — one that uniquely blends cutting-edge technology with the events, stories and people of centuries past. Guided tours, trade demonstrations and conversations with costumed interpreters bring history to life in vivid detail at the Governor’s Palace, many Gardens and Historic Homes. The North Carolina History Center utilizes the latest technology in interactive, multi-person games and handson exhibits to delight visitors at its Pepsi Family Center and Regional History Museum. At the Pepsi Family 118
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Center, a virtual time machine transports students to a river village in North Carolina’s Central Coastal Region in the year 1835. And, at the Regional History Museum, students follow the “River of Light” to explore ¿ve centuries of the North Carolina Central Coast’s history.
New Bern, North Carolina tryonpalace.org/tour_groups.php | 252.639.3524 reservations@tryonpalace.org