COLUMBIA, N.J. (Warren County) — The Lakota Wolf Preserve shared an emotional update Tuesday, July 29, announcing the passing of Kayla, the preserve’s oldest wolf, while also sharing a hopeful note about new pup Kaden.
“Been a week of ups and downs,” the preserve wrote in a Facebook post. “Pup Kaden is doing well fitting in at the preserve, making visits into the big enclosures to meet the adults and doubling in size.”
The preserve also said goodbye to Kayla, who was nearly 15 years old and lived with her brother Tikaani. Known to visitors as the “tripod” wolf, Kayla lost use of her back end many years ago.
“She went paralyzed in the back end many years ago and Drs couldn’t explain why, lead theory was guillain barre syndrome. Said she would never walk again,” the post said.
The preserve hired an acupuncturist to help Kayla recover. “She gained back everything but her one rear leg and was able to run around again,” the post continued. Eventually, the leg was amputated for balance. Staff member Becky even slept in the enclosure with her during her recovery. Kayla thrived for another 10 years.
“Old age caught up with her and she let us know she was ready to go,” the preserve wrote. “Goodbye sweet, strong, beautiful girl, we will miss you forever. Run free with the others.”
Located in the mountains of the Delaware Water Gap in Warren County, Lakota Wolf Preserve is a nonprofit dedicated to the care of and education about wolves, bobcats, foxes, and lynx. Since opening in 1998, owners James Stein and Becky Mace have cared for all the animals at the preserve while offering daily educational tours and photography sessions.
As the largest natural-habitat animal preserve of its kind in the Northeastern United States, Lakota provides a permanent home to animals born in captivity and unable to return to the wild. The preserve continues to draw visitors from across the region while remaining focused on wildlife preservation and compassionate care.
To make a donation, visit their website at www.lakotawolf.com.
