Nakka’s own words: “Life here in our Timber Wolves pack is never boring—first of all, we always run into lots of visitors here at the wildlife park who watch us from the wolf den, and second, especially in the fall, there are always scuffles among us, just like in any wolf pack. I can still remember last fall quite well, for example: It was a Saturday shortly after noon; we’d just finished our howl—the one we always start when the fire department’s siren sounds the test alarm. At first, it sounded to us like a strange pack, but now we just howl along for fun, partly because it makes the visitors happy. So on that day, I felt especially strong, and I wanted to show that to the pack’s current alpha wolf...

The time had come for a change in leadership and a new hierarchy. The current alpha wolf was, as always, lounging lazily in the mild autumn sun, completely unaware of what was about to happen. So I charged at him with my neck fur bristling and growled fiercely at the bewildered wolf—my friend Taki, who had followed me, watched me in amazement. The alpha wolf was so surprised that at first he forgot to growl and cautiously backed away a little. That gave me the confidence I needed, and I went right after him! After I chased him three times around the enclosure—and he only growled back a little, just for form’s sake, with his teeth bared—it was done—the whole pack had seen how I’d handled the alpha wolf, and he ultimately had to acknowledge me as the higher-ranking one. My friend Taki was so proud of me and, of course, happy because she’d also moved up in the pack at the same time as me. Together, we’re always the first in line at feeding time and get the best cuts—if you ever come to Tierwelt Herberstein, you’ll surely recognize me right away: I’m looking forward to your visit!”