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Takaya, lone wolf of Discovery Island, has been shot and killed

Celeb city wolf killed

A lone wolf that recently ventured into Victoria and had to be relocated by conservation officers has been shot dead.

CTV News has confirmed Takaya, a well-known wolf that spent years living alone on Discovery Island, has died this week.

Cheryl Alexander, a conservation photographer has been documenting and studying the majestic animal named Takaya, which lived on Discovery Island off the coast of Oak Bay, for six years.

“I’ve been crying for the last couple of hours,” said Alexander. “It’s heartbreaking.”

In January, Takaya was seen scurrying down the sidewalks of James Bay but was tranquillized by conservation officers and relocated into the wild at an undisclosed location.

Alexander said Takaya was released near Port Renfrew.

“I’ve known where he has been for the last month, and he’s been doing really great and healthy,” she said.

On Wednesday, she was told by local hunters that a wolf with an ear tag had been shot.

“Takaya is the only wolf on the island with an ear tag,” she said. “I knew right away. I just found out a few hours ago.”

– with files from CTV Vancouver Island



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