r/WolvesAreBigYo

From the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Centers Facebook Page:

We are heartbroken to inform everyone that our Amarok crossed over the rainbow bridge on June 7th. A few months ago, our veterinarians examined him and discovered a mass growing on his mandible that was beyond the scope of removal. Histopathology revealed that it was an aggressive type of cancer that would eventually affect his quality of life. Our staff, caretakers, and veterinarians continued to make him comfortable through specialized care, dietary changes, and pain management. The day that Amarok refused his medication, we knew we had to make the compassionate decision to help him cross over.

Amarok was a legend all over the world. He was our only international rescue with a very unique origin story. He was born in Colorado and was somehow smuggled into Colombia, South America. He was found roaming the streets with stray dogs and had the impression of a collar around his neck. Locals observed him and knew that this was no ordinary street dog. Officials captured him and DNA tested him, and he wound up finding a temporary home at the Santa Fe Zoological Park in Medellin, Colombia. Gray wolves are not native to South America, so Amarok quickly became a celebrity and won over the hearts of all who observed him. Zoo staff adored him enough to recognize Colombia was not a suitable forever home for him. They contacted us to see if he would be a good fit for our Center.

Our founder flew to Colombia to meet Amarok and his caretakers, and were met with a level of kindness and hospitality they’ve never experienced elsewhere. That visit to South America would lead to CWWC adopting new traditions, friendships, and relationships that would last a lifetime. After months of coordination and planning, Amarok flew back to North America to find his forever home with us.

After he was transferred back to Colorado in April of 2017, his impact only grew. He became an ambassador for the Illegal Wildlife Trade, educating tens of thousands of guests about the cruel realities many animals face that never publicly come to light. He was quickly paired with his first love, Koda, and they were inseparable until the moment she passed away. He mourned this loss deeply until we found Luna, a mid-content wolfdog to keep him company. Luna kept him young as she was about half his age, and they soon became best friends. Despite their connection, we don’t think he ever bonded to her the way he did with Koda. In the eyes of a wolf, there is often no love like your first love. We find a lot of comfort knowing they are reunited once more, running free from the inhibitions of this life.

Amarok was so loved that it is difficult to translate into words. Our hearts are heavy for every person that Amarok touched over the years. From his care team in Colombia to his caretakers at CWWC, down to every guest that was graced with one of his iconic 3 minute kisses; he was a friend to all and will never be forgotten.

#Amarok #Wolf #cwwc #rainbowbridge

The one resting on the rock is a female who was recently introduced due the males (one resting in second photo) litter mate dying. There are around 260 in captivity and then there is a wild population in North Carolina estimated to be around 30. This is in land between the lakes in west Kentucky. There used to be a local population here but they sadly went extinct due to coyotes and hunting.