Nurturing orphaned Indian Grey Wolf at Machia Biological Park, Jodhpur, India

Abstract

The Indian Grey Wolf Canis lupus pallipes is an iconic species of grassland in India. It is a Schedule 1 species according to the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and CITES Appendix 1 species. In the absence of parental care, five wolf pups were rescued from Baavarla on 26 November 2020 and brought into Machia Biological Park for hand rearing. In the absence of colostrum, a milk replacer formula (PetLac) was provided to the pups. The pups were kept at an ambient room temperature of 101°F as an adjustment to their natural surroundings. Gripe water, Vitamin A, and multivitamins were administered orally. The temperature and body growth parameters were measured and recorded weekly. Rabies vaccine was administered in the 26th week from the date of rescue. The diet of the wolf was gradually changed and from the 37th week, raw meat was included in their diet. Antibiotics Ciplox-TZ (ciprofloxacin and tinidazole tablet) Brand-Cipla and SPORLAC-DS (lactic acid bacillus tablets 120M) Brand-sanzyme Ltd. were given periodically to restore the gut fauna of the pups.