Interacting with wolves is a very rare thing for humans to be able to get away with. But when it does happen, the bond between human and wolf is very strong.
Such is the case with Danielle who is a wildlife worker at the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center. Several timber wolves have bonded with Danielle as she has gained their trust and respect. They actually treat her as one of their own and the relationship is definitely a unique one.
Kekoa is the large grey wolf who walks alongside of Danielle. Her name means “brave one”. The 9-year-old timber wolf was transferred from the Seacrest Wolf Preserve in Florida. His sister, Sakara, was also transferred here and you will see her in the video as well. Surprisingly Kekoa is very gentle around visitors and will give out kisses!
His interaction with Danielle is definitely special. As you’ll see he happily wags his tail, and will very affectionately nuzzle up with her, even licking her face!
It’s a pretty amazing sight to see as this guy weighs in at 115 pounds, and fully risen up he reaches nearly 7 feet! In comparison to Danielle, who is average adult human size, he is truly huge. Sister Sakara is not as heavy but still weighs in at about 85 pounds.
Turns out he’s not a fully wild wolf since he was basically bottle fed and raised by humans. Here’s what staff member Michelle Smith has to say about his upbringing:
“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.”
A regular type of wolf would never allow someone to pet them, nor even approach them. They steer clear of humans altogether.
As we can see, they can in fact get along with humans when the circumstances and upbringing permit such, and in a very affectionate way at that.
So as far as the wicked and evil wolf stereotypes go, Kekoa proves it to be the complete opposite!
They really are highly intelligent animals and very complex socially. Yet they have been treated horribly, having been hunted and brought to near extinction. Still they endure.
Check out how wonderful these animals really are when brought up in conditions where humans are present. Be sure to share the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center’s wonderful video with all of your animal loving friends and family!
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