Wolves: The Brave Ones of the Colorado Wilderness

Wolves are often seen as fierce and aggressive animals. Many people, myself included, would feel a wave of fear if we came face to face with one. But there’s more to these magnificent creatures than meets the eye.

In the beginning, we meet a large gray wolf named Kekoa, which means “brave one” in Hawaiian. But Kekoa is not like the scary wolves that many imagine. While she carries herself with a regal air that commands respect, she also shows an amazing warmth toward people, especially a wonderful woman named Danielle.

Kekoa lives a happy life at the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center, an animal sanctuary nestled near the scenic Colorado Springs. This place is special; it’s home to many animals who can no longer survive in the wild. Kekoa’s bond with Danielle is truly something to behold. Danielle, a dedicated staff member, has formed an incredible friendship with this majestic wolf.

The first time I saw Kekoa and Danielle playing together, my jaw dropped in amazement. It was like witnessing a fairy tale come to life. The sight was surreal, especially when I noticed how large Kekoa is compared to Danielle. With a strong, noble presence, Kekoa weighs in at a whopping 115 pounds! When she stands on her back legs, placing her front paws on someone’s shoulders, she towers at about 7 feet tall! It’s hard to believe that such a giant could also be a big softy at heart.

Just when I thought the magic couldn’t get any better, another wolf named Sakura trotted over, eager to join in on the fun. The two wolves snuggled up to Danielle, creating a scene that filled my heart with joy.

In an interview with The Dodo, Michelle Smith, a staff member at the wildlife center, shed some light on Kekoa’s unique personality. She 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.” It’s clear that while Kekoa has formed a close bond with humans, she still embodies the wild spirit of her kind.

To truly appreciate these magnificent wolves, the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center offers guided educational tours to more than 40,000 people each year. Visitors learn about the vital role wolves play in our ecosystems, helping to restore balance and health to nature.

Excitingly, wolves have not roamed wild in Colorado since the 1940s. But things may be changing! With the growing awareness and appreciation for these animals, it looks like they might soon return to their natural habitats.

What do you think about the amazing work being done at the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center? Join the conversation in the comments below to raise awareness about wolves and help support their mission to protect these magnificent creatures! Together, we can make a difference for Kekoa, Sakura, and all their wild cousins.