Kekoa: The Brave Wolf of the Colorado Wilderness
Wolves are often seen as fierce and scary creatures. Many people, including me, would feel a rush of fear if we came face to face with one. But there’s a lot more to these magnificent animals than what most people think.
Let me introduce you to a large gray wolf named Kekoa. Her name means “brave one” in Hawaiian, and she truly lives up to that name. However, Kekoa is not your typical wolf; she defies all the common stereotypes. While she does carry herself with a strong presence that commands respect, she also shows incredible kindness toward people, especially a wonderful woman named Danielle.
Kekoa lives a happy and fulfilling life at the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center, a fantastic animal sanctuary located near the beautiful city of Colorado Springs. Like many animals at the sanctuary, Kekoa cannot survive in the wild, which is why she has found her home here. Danielle, a dedicated staff member, has formed an extraordinary friendship with this amazing wolf.
When I first saw Kekoa and Danielle playing together, I was completely blown away. My jaw dropped as I watched this magical moment unfold. It was surreal to see how big Kekoa is compared to Danielle. With her strong, noble appearance, Kekoa weighs in at an impressive 115 pounds!
When she stands on her back legs and places her front paws on someone’s shoulders, she towers at about 7 feet tall! Despite her size and strength, she also has a playful, gentle side. She’s a big baby, and I mean really big!
Just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, another wolf named Sakura came over, eager to join the fun. Sakura also wanted to cuddle, adding to the heartwarming scene of these two beautiful wolves bonding with Danielle. It was a sight filled with warmth and joy, showing just how special their relationships can be.
In an interview with The Dodo, Michelle Smith, a staff member at the wildlife center, shared some insight into Kekoa’s 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.” This quote perfectly captures Kekoa’s unique nature—she’s a wild animal at heart but has a gentle spirit thanks to her upbringing.
The Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center is doing incredible work to educate people about these fascinating creatures. Every year, they give guided educational tours about wolves and their important role in ecosystems to over 40,000 visitors! These tours help raise awareness about the necessity of protecting wolves and the delicate balance they bring to nature.
It’s exciting to know that Colorado has not had wild wolves since the 1940s, but it seems like they might be coming back soon! As more people learn about wolves and appreciate their importance, the future for these magnificent animals looks brighter.
So, what do you think about the amazing work at the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center? Join the conversation in the comments below to help raise awareness about wolves and support their mission. Together, we can make a real difference for Kekoa, Sakura, and all their wild cousins!
