- Canada -
Takaya, the iconic male lone wolf was tragically killed Tuesday, March 24, by a hunter near Shawnigan Lake.
Takaya, whose name means ‘wolf’ to the indigenous Songhees people, has lived for several years on Discovery Island alone.
According to The Guardian, animal documentarians and conservation specialists have closely followed the journey of this rare species of canine known as the sea wolf.
In January Takaya was spotted scurrying down the sidewalks of James Bay, Victoria.
On January 26, he was tranquilized by conservation officers and then relocated and released into the wild.
According to Cheryl Alexander, Takaya was relocated to an area near Port Renfrew.
Cheryl Alexander is a wildlife photographer and documentarian who studied Takaya and his activities in the wild.
CTV News reports that on Wednesday, March 25, some local hunters told Ms. Alexander that a wolf with an ear tag had been shot.
She said: “Takaya is the only wolf on the island with an ear tag.” “I knew right away.”
Ms. Alexander wants trophy hunting to be stopped.
CTV News reached out to BC Conservation Officer Service for more information and in response they received the following statement:
"The Discovery Island wolf, that was relocated from James Bay earlier this year has been shot and killed by a hunter, the conservation officer service can confirm. We understand many British Columbians and people around the world shared care and concern for the well-being of this wolf and this update will affect many people. Conservation Officers released the wolf in rugged and remote wilderness outside of Port Renfrew, on the west side of Vancouver Island. This isolated coastal habitat similar to Discovery Island was carefully chosen to give the wolf the best chance possible. This decision was made in consultation with biologists from the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development (FLNRORD), as well as the Provincial Wildlife Veterinarian. The wolf was not taken back to Discovery Island as it left for a reason – it may have been looking for food or resources. For the safety of the public and the animal, the wolf was relocated out of the urban environment in Victoria. The provincial hunting regulations are administered by FLNRORD.”
Sadly, in British Columbia, it is legal for hunters to harvest three wolves per year as long as they report it.
Ms. Alexander hopes Takaya’s death will trigger reflection on hunting regulations.
The conservation officer service says its investigation is ongoing and further details will be released as they become available.
*Voice For Us believes that anyone who has so little regard for any kind and form of life does not deserve to be alive themselves!*
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