Keepers' Journal also see Field Notes Another wolf leaves 7/13/00 780 Departs for Bull's Island Today 780 was given a physical exam because he will be leaving our facility for Bull's Island,South Carolina, where he will be paired with a female for future breeding. Any time an animal leaves the North Carolina Zoological Park it must be given a physical exam to ensure that it is healthy. By performing an exit exam, we avoid sending out an unhealthy animal to a new facility. Not only are we concerned that the animal is healthy for it's own sake, but we also want to avoid spreading any diseases to wolves at other facilities. The physical exam went well. The wolf was anesthetized and the veterinarian and vet technicians were able to give 780 a full exam . They also collected blood samples that were used for a series of blood tests. The wolf was in good shape and no problems were diagnosed. He recovered well from the anesthesia and spent the rest of the day resting in our wolf holding area that adjoins our office work area. He probably wondered why he was there instead of being back at the off-exhibit holding area where he had been living. Tomorrow 780 will be transported by a United States Fish and Wildlife Service employee to Bull's Island, South Carolina. Bull's Island is located off the coast of South Carolina between Georgetown and Charleston and is part of the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge. The approximately 2,000 acre island is home to a wide variety of wildlife including osprey, wild turkey, bobcat, alligators, an assortment of other reptiles and amphibians. The first red wolf island propagation project was done on the island in 1987 ,and numerous breeding pairs of red wolves have resided on the island over the years. Some of the offspring born on Bull's island have been released in northeastern North Carolina as part of the mainland release program. One factor that makes the island such a good place to breed wolves is the absence of coyotes. The U.S.F.W.S. now has evidence that some of the red wolves in northeastern N.C. have been breeding with coyotes who have moved into the area in the recent past. The product of this breeding is a hybridized canid that can reproduce. Bull's Island allows visitors on the island during the day. One can take the ferry over to the island and stay for half the day or a whole day. No camping is allowed on the island. I was fortunate enough to have an opportunity to visit the island a few years ago and it is a fascinating place. I didn't see any red wolves but didn't expect to since it was daytime and they are so seclusive. For visitors who are interested in seeing a red wolf the Sewee Visitor & Environmental Education Center, located in Awendaw, has a red wolf exhibit and a very nice nature center. For more information on Bull's Island or the Sewee Visitor & Envoronmental Education Center call the Center at (843) 928-3368. Submitted by Keeper Hannah