Many people, including myself, would be utterly terrified to actually see a wolf because of how vicious and aggressive they are reputed to be.
The name Kekoa, which is Hawaiian for “brave one,” is given to the huge grey wolf that Danielle first sees roaming alongside her.
Kekoa deviates significantly from other wolves and the stereotype in general.
While she still seems to have a certain amount of regard for others, she also appears to have a lot of respect for people, especially Danielle.
At the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center, a pet refuge close to Colorado Springs, Kekoa enjoys the good life.
She resides in the sanctuary, along with the other animals, because she cannot survive in the wild.
A staff member named Danielle has a remarkable friendship with the big wolf.
My mouth dropped when I initially noticed Kekoa and Danielle playing together. A magical and bizarre sight, especially when you consider how much larger Kekoa is than Danielle.
He seems brave and valiant, but he’s also a large baby—really big! He is 115 pounds and is nearly 7 feet tall when he puts his front paws on someone’s shoulders.
And just when you think you’ve seen it all, Sakura, another wolf, appears and expresses a want to hug.
In an interview with The Dodo wildlife center staffer Michelle Smith explained:
“Since he was raised by people and bottle fed from the time he was born, he is very well socialized, meaning he enjoys the company of people. This is not the same as domesticated or tame. He is still a ‘wild’ animal, and he does tend to show it when he is around his sister. A wolf in the wild would not act this way.
Wild wolves have not lived in Colorado since the 1940s, but it appears that they will soon do so.
Over 40,000 visitors a year take advantage of the guided, educational tours the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center offers about wolves and their significance to ecosystems.
Spread the word about this tale to educate people about wolves and support the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center.