A Wolf Called Romeo by Nick Jans

The picture on the book's cover is one Jans took of the first meeting between Romeo and Jans’ blond lab Dakotah, with whom the wolf established a close relationship. He also includes a few beautiful pictures of Romeo that he took over the years of their interactions.

Living in a country where the Dingo (the most maligned of all native animals) is the apex predator and where habituation and familiarisation (caused by humans) has resulted in problems, particularly in tourist destinations such as Fraser Island and Uluru, I was keen to read Romeo’s story.

As surprising as it may seem this is a true story spanning several years.

Romeo was a lone wolf living on the outskirts of Juneau, Alaska and exhibited unusual behaviour for a non-domesticated animal demonstrating he was a sentient being with a need for company.

Walking their dogs on the frozen lake in the winter of 1993, Jans and his wife were one of the first people to see the lone black wolf. He appeared young and healthy. To their surprise all the wolf wanted was to interact with their dogs in a playful encounter.

Over the next six years Romeo became a part of the landscape interreacting with many other residents and their dogs at his instigation and even initiated the games.

It is important to note no-one tried to domesticate or tame Romeo. No-one even habituated him by feeding him or providing any shelter. He came and went of his own accord.

But some residents were not happy with the situation believing he was dangerous or simply just shouldn’t be allowed to exist on their territory.

Although Romeo developed many friendships and others, who developed strong bonds with the wolf, also others feature in the story.

Nick Jans had been a hunter a one time and a wilderness guide but is now a professional wildlife photographer and author with a respect and love for his natural surrounds.

Jans not only tells the story of Romeo, he also introduces facts about wolves throughout the book giving insight into how we, as humans, need to learn about and respect all wild animals.

It is a beautiful, yet heart-rending story told honestly and without prejudice but the emotions of the author and his love and respect for Romeo are still clear.

Romeo’s demise came at the hands of two particularly heartless and wicked hunters – the type that kills for sick fun. They enjoyed taunting those who loved the wolf and bragged about both their plans and the final deed. Fortunately, this part of the story is not dragged out unnecessarily.

Readers should be warned Romeo’s demise is upsetting for any animal lover and cause for anger at the simpleminded and ignorant men who brought it about. The red tape and attitude of the lawmakers is equally enraging.

Today a memorial to Romeo stands in Juneau as a reminder of the life of this incredible animal. 
It reads:

ROMEO
2003-2009
THE SPIRIT OF JUNEAU'S FRIENDLY BLACK WOLF LIVES ON IN THIS WILD PLACE. 


After reading the book, you will never forget this magnificent wolf called Romeo.

Playful Romeo

My rating 5*
 

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