Wolves. Synonymous with being one of the top Alpha predators, cunning, savage and daunting. Known for centuries for terrifying villages. Unapproachable, aloof. Maybe…
One day a couple of years ago, my daughter said we were going to some wetlands she knew of to photograph the wildfowl there. We drove for over an hour and no sign of any wetlands or wildfowl. a little later she announced that we were almost there, still no wetland, just prairie. She eventually turned into what appeared to be a farm except that all the animals were howling. (I later found out that they were announcing our arrival) Wolves! Lots of them. A lifelong dream realized. I could not wipe the grin off my face. My daughter said ‘ gotcha dad!’ Did she ever.
We walked up to the gate and were welcomed by Sally Jo. What followed can only be described as one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life. She took us on a guided tour of the facility and we met all the residents. Some we could get up close and personal with as long as we followed some basic rules. Having a wolf come up to you and smell and lick your face, so he can sense you, is truly a humbling event. I felt an immediate connection. A few of them sensed that. Sally said they read your aura, and I believe her. It was all I could do to stay on the right side of the fence on that first visit, I just wanted to be with them.
My daughter and I went again in the winter and we got to run with a pack of four wolves in the small woods at the facility. My camera was glued to a wolf called Sparta. I barely recognized him from the lean, leggy guy he’d been in the summer. He was magnificent.
They are one of the most misunderstood animals on the planet and these guys are the ambassadors toward a greater understanding.
This and the previous photograph is Quigley.
This and the next few photographs is Sparta. I rest my case.
This is Pete the Dragon. He is a good soul with armour piercing eyes.
My daughter, Katy and Sally Jo with Pete getting in on the act.
Handsome Bob waiting for a treat.
So, whatcha doin’?
Digger is one of the older guys. He’s thirteen, if I remember correctly, and still full of vim and vigour. He also has the stickiest spit of all the wolves…
Digger off for a run. Pretty good for an old guy. If you could see where he lives you would instantly know how he got his name. One has to be very careful when walking around his place.
So, those nasty, big, fierce wolves? Meet Luke. He has a brother, Paul, equally as fierce.
This is the matriarch of all the wolves, Taika. She was eighteen when this was taken and later the following year she passed, a grand old lady. She was beautiful right till the end. She and Digger were mates. Go in peace my dear.
Pete the Dragon when he was a rangy youngster taken six months before the winter photographs. So hard to believe how fast they grow.
My first meeting with Sparta. Just checking each other out.
Yeah, nasty vicious animals…
My first encounter with Digger. He’s such a gentle soul.
Digger likes me!
Did I mention that Pete is also a serious ham?
One of the cats keeping an eye on things, from the safety of the barn of course.
Katy and Pete in early January. It was a lovely warm, clear day.
This feller is called Two Toes and his coat has completely changed since last summer. Now it’s all black and silver. Very distinguished!
“ Let’s play hide and go seek. I’m counting”