Many people fear coming face to face with a wolf due to its reputation as a dangerous predator. However, the enormous grey wolf that Danielle meets at the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center defies the standard stereotype.
Named Kekoa, which means “brave one” in Hawaiian, she commands deference but also has a deep appreciation for humanity and a special bond with Danielle.
At the sanctuary, Kekoa enjoys a pampered life with other animals that have no chance of surviving in the wild. Despite her regal appearance, she is a huge baby who loves interacting with people, including cuddle sessions with staff members like Danielle. In fact, Kekoa is well socialized because she was raised by people and bottle-fed from birth, although she remains a “wild” animal and behaves differently around her sister.
The Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center is a popular destination for educational tours, attracting over 40,000 visitors annually who want to learn more about wolves and their role in ecosystems. Although wild wolves haven’t been seen in Colorado since the 1940s, the sanctuary is helping to raise awareness about these magnificent creatures and their conservation.
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