GOLDEN GATE, Fla. — Driving just a few hours south on the west coast of Florida you may come across a few wolves in a small area. In the case of the Shy Wolf Sanctuary, there's nothing to be alarmed of: the wolves are supposed to be there.
Resident Yuki the wolf-dog, in particular, has gained much notoriety and recent worldwide attention.
According to the International Wolf Center website, a wolf-dog is a hybrid mix and is part wolf and part domestic dog. "Wolf and wolf-dog hybrid ownership by private citizens has long been a contentious issue in the United States," the website continues.
“His DNA testing came back as 87.5% Gray Wolf, 8.6% Siberian Husky, and 3.9% German Shepherd,” a sanctuary staff member said.
The 120-pound majestic wolf-dog has helped raise awareness after he was dumped off at a kill shelter by a previous owner before being given a second chance at life at the sanctuary.
“We rescued him from a failed house pet situation," Brittany Allen, a volunteer at the sanctuary said. "Someone purchased him from a breeder and realized he was too much to handle. They dumped him at a kill shelter at 8 months old."
One specific image of Yuki has gained international fame across the internet, shocking people with his pure enormity.
Allen says that although he is a big boy, Yuki is not as big as he appears in the photo.
"It's just his fat angle guys," she said. "We all have one."
The sanctuary has since received a lot of requests to adopt Yuki, which they have politely declined.
"Sorry everyone, but I am not available for adoption. I am 12 years old and terminally ill so I will be staying at Shy Wolf with my pack friend Bella in our enclosure. However, you can sponsor me!”, the sanctuary posted on Facebook.
If you're interested in sponsoring Yuki or helping with his vet bills, click here for more information.
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