Description
This humorous article describes Dr. E. H. McCleery's hobby of raising a pack of lobo wolves, the history of the wolf pack (Dr. McCleery first became interested in wolves on a big game hunt before 1900 with the late J. P. Morgan), the psychology of the wolves, the culling of the wolf pack (Dr. McCleery does not sell the pelts of killed wolves, but occasionally gives the pelts to friends), the diet and feeding schedule of the wolf pack, and the wolves' trust in Dr. McCleery.
Dr. McCleery's breeding and taming program is described, and indicates that the wolves are bred for their intelligence and temperament. A test of confidence is cited in which a coat is thrown over a wolf's eyes and head. One of the image captions states that the lobos can become reliable pets with careful handling. The article describes the wolf "Three Toes" whom Dr. McCleery kept in his home. Three Toes housebroke himself, performed tricks, played with the neighborhood boys, and slept on their beds, but any unjust action towards him could have turned him into a killer. Dr. McCleery has also taken wolves with him in his car on medical calls.
The article mentions the escape of a mountain lion that Dr. McCleery obtained from Utah. Since the ensuing tragedy, McCleery has not obtained any more mountain lions.
Despite the occasional unsavory tourist who will torment the animals with knives, sticks, and umbrellas, Dr. McCleery greatly enjoys showing and describing his wolves to the public. At the time of writing, Dr. McCleery had 75 wolves which weighed almost 150 pounds each. They attracted up to 2,000 visitors a day, each of whom paid an admission fee of 25 cents plus a 5 cent tax.
Two photos are included: one of seven young wolf pups being handled, and one of Dr. McCleery with an adult wolf.
Dr. McCleery's breeding and taming program is described, and indicates that the wolves are bred for their intelligence and temperament. A test of confidence is cited in which a coat is thrown over a wolf's eyes and head. One of the image captions states that the lobos can become reliable pets with careful handling. The article describes the wolf "Three Toes" whom Dr. McCleery kept in his home. Three Toes housebroke himself, performed tricks, played with the neighborhood boys, and slept on their beds, but any unjust action towards him could have turned him into a killer. Dr. McCleery has also taken wolves with him in his car on medical calls.
The article mentions the escape of a mountain lion that Dr. McCleery obtained from Utah. Since the ensuing tragedy, McCleery has not obtained any more mountain lions.
Despite the occasional unsavory tourist who will torment the animals with knives, sticks, and umbrellas, Dr. McCleery greatly enjoys showing and describing his wolves to the public. At the time of writing, Dr. McCleery had 75 wolves which weighed almost 150 pounds each. They attracted up to 2,000 visitors a day, each of whom paid an admission fee of 25 cents plus a 5 cent tax.
Two photos are included: one of seven young wolf pups being handled, and one of Dr. McCleery with an adult wolf.
Source
Format
Creator
Date
February/March 1950
Volume
1
Issue
2
Page Numbers
56-57, 62
Copyright
This article is in-copyright. Copyright belongs to the Volitant Publishing Corporation.