Wolves often carry a fierce reputation. Their piercing eyes, powerful builds, and wild instincts can be intimidating—even terrifying—for most of us. Honestly, the idea of standing face-to-face with one is enough to make many people freeze in their tracks.
But then there’s Kekoa.
Kekoa, whose name fittingly means “brave one” in Hawaiian, walks into the frame like a scene out of a dream. This striking gray wolf lives at the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center, a sanctuary tucked away near Colorado Springs. And while his appearance might be every bit as majestic and commanding as you’d expect from a wolf, his personality is anything but typical.
Unlike many of his wild counterparts, Kekoa seems to possess a gentle, almost soulful connection with humans—especially with a caretaker named Danielle. Their bond is nothing short of remarkable.
Kekoa, like the other animals at the center, resides there because survival in the wild simply isn’t an option for him. But within the sanctuary’s safety, he thrives—and forms bonds that defy expectations.
Watching Kekoa interact with Danielle is something that genuinely stops you in your tracks. He towers over her, both in presence and in size. At a solid 115 pounds, Kekoa stands close to 7 feet tall when he props his front paws on someone’s shoulders. And yet, despite his size and his wild nature, he behaves more like an oversized puppy when he’s with her.
Just when you think it couldn’t get more heartwarming, another wolf named Sakura joins in—also looking for a little affection.
Michelle Smith, a staff member at the sanctuary, shared some insight during an interview with The Dodo. She explained that Kekoa had been bottle-fed and hand-raised by humans from the time he was a pup. Because of that, he’s become incredibly comfortable around people.
But make no mistake—he’s not domesticated, and he’s certainly not tame. Michelle emphasized that despite his friendly nature, Kekoa is still very much a wild animal. His behavior around humans is shaped by how he was raised, not by instinct alone. In fact, his demeanor changes noticeably when he’s around his sister, where that innate wildness is more apparent.
In the wild, wolves simply don’t act like this. But here, in this protected space, Kekoa gets to be something rare—a wild animal who, through trust and care, shares moments of peace and affection with the people who love him.