The Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center announced the passing of Koda, a 15-year-old resident wolf, on Friday, May 26th.
The animal sanctuary shared on Instagram that Koda was suffering from a degenerative neurological condition, and her medical team made the difficult decision to euthanize her.
It is a loss for the entire community.
Many locals know Koda from her featured photo on the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center billboard heading west on Highway 24 toward Woodland Park.
Koda's billboard work is not her only claim to fame.
She is also the only wolf to give birth at the non-breeding animal sanctuary. At the young age of nine months old, Koda went into heat and had an accidental pregnancy resulting in two pups, Tala and Nakai.
Both pups were born with a metabolic bone disease, Nakai having an extreme condition that initially did not seem compatible with life. Thanks to excellent care at the center, Nakai survived his early weeks, grew stronger, and lived at the animal sanctuary until his passing in 2017 at the age of eight.
Koda's daughter, Tala, is healthy and active and still resides at the center.
The Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center is home to a magnificent pack of wolves, including two critically endangered gray wolves, and several fox species. The facility offers year-round tours and special events to educate and advocate for these beautiful animals, and it recently earned the #7 spot on the USA TodayReaders' Choice list for "Best Safari Park."
If you haven't toured the award-winning facility, add it to your summer bucket list. It's a Colorado gem that is sadly now missing one of its crown jewels. Rest in Peace, Koda.
Location: 4729 Twin Rocks Road, Divide, Colorado
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