Francesca Capozzi Four years ago the lone wolf Takaya died, another victim claimed by humans for no reason. The specimen has been monitored for years, continually surprising researchers with its abilities. Then, a shot put an end to his adventure
@takayalonewolf/Instagram
Living in nature involves certain risks, but these are minimal, perhaps negligible, compared to the man-made threats devastating biodiversity today. Takaya, the wolf, paid with his life at the hands of a human who killed him without reason.
His is a story filled with richness and hardship, ending in 2020 with a gunshot. This story is told by environmentalist Cheryl Alexander, who followed this magnificent wild animal, known as Takaya the lone wolf, for seven years.
A journey of survival
Takaya was two years old when he left his pack and embarked on a journey spanning dozens of miles. Swimming across the water, he reached the small islands off the coast of British Columbia, Canada, where he settled.
Forestry officials had expressed concerns about his fate, considering the possibility of capturing him. It seemed unlikely that the wolf could survive in an environment frequented by so many visitors.
Takaya, however, managed to evade capture attempts, proving he could take care of himself. In 2014, Cheryl Alexander became interested in the wolf, obtaining the necessary permits to study and monitor him through trail cameras.
The lone wolf displayed remarkable survival skills and behaviors rarely observed before. Chris Darimont of the University of Victoria explained that Takaya had learned to dig small holes to find fresh water and fish quickly, pushing “the limits of what is ecologically possible”.
Notably, Takaya howled, a trait uncommon in solitary wolves. He hunted, swam, relaxed in his new home, and searched for a mate to reproduce.
A tragic end
Since 2020, none of this has been possible. A hunter shot the lone wolf, tragically ending his adventure. There was no reason to kill him, but perhaps the person who sentenced him to death believed that, as a wolf, Takaya deserved to die.
It has been four years since then. Alexander has created a documentary and book, “Takaya: Lone Wolf”, and continues to maintain a page dedicated to the wild animal so the world can remember him.
Through her work, the environmentalist hopes to contribute to the conservation and protection of the species. We will not forget you, Takaya.
