Chaka Zulu joined the Big Pack in the Sky on June 15th of 2003.
He was assisted at the age of 7 due to pemphigus foliaceus.
Chaka Zulu was born on Wild Spirit property on April 7th, 1996, near the beginning of the sanctuarys’ “conception” itself! He was one of seven pups in a litter that was bottle raised by staff, and born by Ammon Ra and Nashoba–two other wolves residing at the sanctuary.
The litter, which included Shakti, Ghengis, Zeus, Taza, Lycea, Selena, and Chaka Zulu, spent their first weeks outside being raised by their parents. However, tragedy struck, and Nashoba died soon after birth due to gastric torsion.
The pups were quickly moved indoors, and staff took on the responsibility of bottle feeding the litter! It was tireless work with little rest, especially given the staff’s efforts to ensure that the pups had enough access to their father to be raised by both humans and wolves. Once they were old enough to survive, the pups were moved outside into suitable groups.
Chaka Zulu originally lived with his siblings, until Shakti and Zeus kicked him out of the enclosure in 2000. At that point, Chaka lived alone and preferred the company of his human friends.
Photos provided by:
Linda Young
Personality
Chaka Zulu was an elegant, beautiful soul. Unlike his brothers, Zeus and Ghengis, he was a soft boy who was never demanding or dominant, he just sweetly asked for affection from the people he loved. Unfortunately, he was often picked on by his siblings due to his docile nature, but the caretakers of that era were always there for him to lean on.
Likes & Dislikes
Chaka Zulu loved his caretakers, scent rubbing, and enrichments!
Chaka disliked when his siblings picked on him and when his humans didn’t enter the enclosure to say hi!
Fun Facts
Most canines are not fond of hugs, which is even more true of wolves. It is typically seen as a rude, dominant gesture, and even a threat in many situations. Chaka, however, having been raised around humans since he was 7 days old, absolutely loved hugs! He often went out of his way to get them from his favorite people.
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