LUKAS - R.I.P.
(click photo for more pictures)
August 20, 2010 - It is with great sadness and disbelief that the Wolf Conservation Center (WCC)
announces the death of Lukas, the twelve-year-old member of the Center's "ambassador" pack, after a
very short battle with cancer. Lukas was second in command in his pack, loyal to the end to his leader and
dear friend Apache. The largest and likely strongest of the ambassador wolves, Lukas never tried
to depose Apache; he was the perfect "wing-man" - a brawny and faithful comrade.
Although Lukas was known to maintain a safe distance from human visitors, his presence never failed to
impress those he met. His piercing eyes and high-pitched howl enchanted visitors, staff, and volunteers
alike. Ladies couldn't resist falling for him! Lukas was a beautiful animal and he served as an
impressive ambassador for his wild brothers and sisters.
Lukas' passing comes just 5 months after the loss of Apache. The timing is painfully fitting, the
beta forever devoted to the alpha of the pack. Soon Lukas will join Apache as a part of the Yellowstone
landscape where they will forever dwell among so many other principal characters in the wolf world.
We didn't let Lukas go without a fight. A team of knowledgeable and talented doctors generously donated
their time, facilities, and treatments to give this cherished animal a second chance. We cannot thank them
enough.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH A VIDEO TRIBUTE TO LUKAS
Please feel free to share your feelings, memories and photos of Lukas on the WCC’s Facebook page
APACHE - R.I.P.
(click photo for more pictures)
March 10, 2010 - Apache, the twelve-year-old alpha wolf of the Center’s “ambassador” pack, died after a short battle with cancer. Born in captivity, Apache spent his entire life at the WCC, giving visitors the rare opportunity to learn about wolf behavior by watching him interact with his pack mates. His distinctive howl thrilled tens of thousands of people who were always happy to howl along with him and laugh at Apache’s habit of continuing to howl when WCC staff tried to speak. With one perpetually floppy ear thanks to some less-than-tender discipline from Eno, the German Shepherd that helped raise him as a pup, Apache sported a jaunty look that perfectly complemented his disposition. He was a benevolent pack leader with a personality that charmed staff, volunteer, and visitor alike.
Throughout the WCC’s growth from its modest beginnings as home to three wolves to its present role as a leader in wolf conservation and environmental education (and home to 29 critically endangered Mexican gray wolves and red wolves), Apache was always the soul of the Center.
Like the king he was, he could usually be found perched on his favorite rock den, which afforded him a view of his pack’s spacious enclosure as well as the visitor path. While his throne may now be empty, his howl will forever resonate in the lives of those privileged to have heard it. Apache truly left his mark on the world, literally and figuratively. We hope those he touched will be inspired to improve the world by leaving their marks as well.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH A VIDEO TRIBUTE TO APACHE
Please feel free to share your feelings, memories and photos of Apache on the WCC’s Facebook page
THE AMBASSADOR PACK
The WCC is home to an Ambassador pack of three Gray wolves that help us fulfill our education mission. They are very special, and they accomplish this mission with great enthusiasm.
ATKA (click photo for more pictures)
KAILA (click photo for more pictures)