A Year Following His Rescue in Queen Anne’s County, Anubis the Fort Meade Wolf Thrives in Pennsylvania – Capital Gazette

In an exciting turn of events, an illegally-owned wolf named Anubis was surrendered by a soldier from Maryland and is currently living a fulfilling life in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

Wolf Sanctuary of Pennsylvania: Championing Rescue Operations

The Wolf Sanctuary of Pennsylvania, a haven for rescued wolves, marks the “rescue anniversaries” of its 55 rescued canines annually. According to the education director at the sanctuary, Michelle Mancini, Anubis’s transformation from a scared rescue to a contented wolf within a year is a significant achievement.

Anubis’s Arrival and Rehabilitation

Arriving in December 2022, Anubis was initially a fearful creature, delivered to the sanctuary in Lititz, Pennsylvania. Though he may not be one of the sanctuary’s most sociable wolves, he has made significant strides since his surrender by Chesapeake Cats & Dogs.

The decision to surrender Anubis was prompted by a bewildering animal welfare case that captivated social media users. Ewing, a volunteer with the Queen Anne’s County-based rescue group, describes the case as the most unusual she has ever encountered.

Recognizing Anubis: Wolf or Dog?

A photo of 8-month old Anubis was posted on Facebook by Chesapeake Cats & Dogs, portraying him as a timid Alaskan malamute/German Shepherd mix. But astute commenters quickly pointed out that Anubis was not a dog, but a wolf.

Animal ownership laws in Maryland prohibit owning wolves and wolf hybrids. The same applies to US military bases. Despite these regulations, Anubis’s owner, a soldier at Fort Meade, was attempting to raise Anubis as a pet. The identity of the owner has not been disclosed by the rescue group.

Securing a Sanctuary for Anubis

With her knowledge of the legal implications, Ewing embarked on a mission to find a sanctuary for Anubis, and was relieved when the Wolf Sanctuary of Pennsylvania agreed to temporarily accommodate him.

Anubis: From Fearful to Comfortable

Anubis’s initial fear of humans was extreme, but with the consistent efforts of the sanctuary’s staff and volunteers, he gradually began to trust humans. This progress was significant for his long-term stay at the sanctuary, as Anubis needed to form a bond with other wolves in line with their pack behavior.

Anubis and Vulcan: An Unlikely Bond

Fortuitously, Anubis bonded quickly with Vulcan, a 5-year-old wolf-dog from Texas. They formed an immediate connection and upon receiving clean health reports, they were given an outdoor enclosure with amenities for their comfort and enjoyment.

Despite the need to repair damages Anubis causes due to his chewing habits, he serves as a stark reminder of why owning wolves as pets is not advisable. Without the sanctuary’s intervention, Anubis’s fate could have been very different.

The Wolf Sanctuary of Pennsylvania: A Response to an Upsurge in Wolf Ownership

Founded in 1980, The Wolf Sanctuary of Pennsylvania has noticed an uptick in wolf puppy black market sales and calls for sanctuary space since the popularity of dire wolves on the TV show “Game of Thrones.” These animals are highly intelligent and energetic, making them challenging pets for most households.

The sanctuary, open for public and private tours, sustains itself through admission fees. Visitors can view Anubis and Vulcan as examples of successful rescue and rehabilitation stories.

The Owner’s Fate and Fort Meade’s Response

Fort Meade officials did not penalize the owner of the wolf since he willingly surrendered the illegal pet. However, six weeks after the incident, the Department of the Army circulated an updated memorandum on “Domestic and Stray Animals,” reinforcing the prohibition of owning certain animals, including wolves and wolf-dog hybrids.