Its Trouble...: Of Wolves and Rocks (Part 1)

Allie and I travelled to the Colorado Springs area this weekend to explore the area and meet some wildlife at Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center. Our travel itinerary was made before the current world crisis. As such, many plans were changed or cancelled. In Colorado, there are state restrictions, which are being phased out right now. However, there's little consistency from one region to another since individual cities have set their own rules. So, we didn't know for sure if our visit to the Center was even going to happen until a week prior. We had to change our hotel and cancel all restaurant reservations. It was also fruitless to try to explore Colorado Springs downtown.

Fortunately, the Center was able to open as of May 1. So, in addition to some everyday strict clothing requirements, the Center implemented proper face mask and social distancing for guests and staff.

We had the Ultimate Alpha package. This includes meeting two pairs of wolves and also foxes, and 50 photos of the interactions. My only critique of our experience is that the quality of photography was lacking, as you'll see below. If you compare our photos with what is presented on the website, there's a world of difference. I did touch up the photos to fix as much of the issues as possible.

We first visited the foxes. The foxes were rambunctious. They actually kinda reminded me of racoons. While we were in their enclosure, there was no question that Rhett and Scarlett viewed us as the source of their kibble, and nothing more.

Scarlett

Rhett

Rhett and Scarlett

Navi and Tala are the pair of wolves that we next met. I don't know if the photos truly capture the size of Navi. When you are face to face with him, looking at him in the eyes, you get a real sense of the power and grace embodied by these awesome canids.

Being greeted by Tala and Navi

We were able to start a pack howl.
It wasn't hard. They live for howling.

Navi and Tala

Finally, we met with Orenda and Isha.

Orenda posing

A wolf only sits when it wants, and the treats only provide passive enticement. Orenda only half sits for the promise of a kibble.

Orenda kinda sits for kibble.

Tala greeted Allie at first, but was generally aloof. She knows she's beautiful and has little time for us humans. (Actually, she did enjoyably interact with us for a time, but none of the photos are well-posed.)