Farewell Sikko & Pukak

Written by our Director, Tsa Palmer, and senior handler, Sarah Whaley.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Sikko and Pukak at 14 years old (3 weeks shy of their 15th birthday). Age caught up with them both, with aged-related mobility concerns and were on Previcox to relieve any underlying pain. Sikko then developed a pronounced lameness from her right-side elbow that was swelling up and becoming increasingly uncomfortable for her. Sadly, as Sikko’s symptoms developed, Pukak had stopped eating so was unable to take his meds plus had become lethargic and withdrawn. Under the vet’s guidance, the difficult decision was taken to put them both to sleep on 12th February with Sikko on the hard standing and Pukak at the top of their enclosure so close enough to each but enough distance to minimise any stress.

With the passing of Sikko and Pukak it is the end of the Arctic era at the Trust. Roger Palmer (founder of UKWCT) had always dreamt of having Arctic Wolves. This was realised courtesy of Parc Safari, Quebec. Our pack were the first Arctic wolves in the UK that prompted an article in The Telegraph. The following Trust Open Day brought thousands to our gate to see these majestic youngsters. The Trust would like to thank Parc Safari for entrusting Massak, Sikko and Pukak into our care. It has been an honour to spend precious time with these characters.

Sikko “Ice” the Diva of the Trust was an endearing, affection girl with a spirited, mischievous nature. Her rivalry with the Beenham girls never ceased. Whenever she was out on a walk and going past their other enclosure, her coat would puff out to the extreme and up on her toes prancing along to let them know that she was the top female on site. She was renowned for winding up her brothers and then nonchalantly wandering off leaving Massak to calm Pukak back down. Walking Sikko was a marathon for her handlers as she circled constantly, making us do twice the distance and squeaked the whole way round, earning her nickname Squeako.

Pukak “Fine Snow” our Prince was a sight to behold. His sheer size and definition being the epitome of a wolf’s strength especially when in full coat. Pukak lived much of his life as the lower ranking male in the pack and thankfully accepted it within the wolf dynamics though would test his handlers and other the volunteers on the off chance he could be higher ranking than anyone. Pukak demanded respect, if he trusted you then he’d interact with you and you’d be able to walk him, otherwise it was a warning growl so you stayed back. This behaviour settled a little with Massak’s passing where life with his sister was more tranquil. They were like an old married couple (though of course siblings). Pukak’s greatest pleasure was feed day, OMG did he love his food!!! One time he was observed crawling through Massak’s back legs to the front to steal a deer leg that was underneath’s Massak’s nose, he managed it too much, Massak’s face was pure confusion – pack orders went out of the window where food was concerned. They will be greatly missed by all of us at the Trust.