Wild companions: Al-Maliki’s drive to tame the untamable

BASRA— In the rural area of Al-Thagher subdistrict, north of Basra, Qasim Al-Maliki has gained attention as a wolf breeder, raising the animals on his farm and integrating them into his daily life. Living in the village of Al-Najira, Al-Maliki started this venture over two years ago when he bought two wolf cubs from a hunter, just days after they were born. Since then, he has raised three wolves, including a male and female sibling pair.

Al-Maliki’s wolves accompany him daily as he works on his wheat fields and live peacefully alongside his family. “The wolves I’ve raised live with me in the house without harming my family,” Al-Maliki told 964media. He added that the wolves actively defend him if they sense any threat nearby.

One of the unique behaviors Al-Maliki observed involves the wolves’ howling during mating season, attracting wild wolves from the surrounding area. The wild wolves respond to these calls and briefly take his wolves with them, but they always return home afterward.

Al-Maliki, who has developed a deep bond with the animals, spoke about their loyalty. “Wolves are very loyal and are ready to sacrifice for their owner if trained properly,” he said. He also mentioned how strong the bond has become, as they engage in playful biting without causing harm.

Though he has given away two of his wolves, Al-Maliki continues to care for the last one, which now resides in the yard of his house. He remains dedicated to the animal, which he claims interacts naturally with his children and family without posing any danger.

While wolves share a common ancestry with dogs, they have not undergone the same selective breeding and remain fundamentally wild. Tamed wolves may show reduced fear and become more accustomed to humans, but they still retain their natural instincts and wild behaviors, making them difficult to fully domesticate.