Lucus

Born on May 2, 1987 in Wisconsin
Arrived at Mission: Wolf on July 1, 1987
Passed away on February 8, 2004

Sex: Male
Lived with Jordan, Nikkolah, Nyati

Did you know? It takes $3,000 a year just to feed and care for one of our wolves. By giving $5 or more a month, you can take a wolf to dinner by becoming a Wolf Caretaker.

Lucus’ Story

Lucus came to Mission: Wolf in 1987 as a young pup. He was bred and born on a dairy farm in Wisconsin. The breeder bred and sold wolf-Rottweiler crosses he called “wolf-a-reilers.” Lucus is one of seven gray wolves born that spring. A neighbor took over raising the pups and has photos of the seven pups nursing on a dairy cow. We agreed to take only one pup, but in the end, we ended up with two of Lucus’ sisters as well.

Lucus traveled as a yearling on the Ambassador Wolf Program tour but grew weary of the road. Back at the refuge, Lucus took the role of the alpha male in his pack. He was a well-liked and respected leader, exhibiting tolerance and patience, and he avoided intense dominance challenges with his strong and confident posture.

When moving wolves around to keep them from mating, Lucus managed to mate with a yearling female wolf named Jazmine. Their four pups lived at Mission: Wolf for the rest of their lives and Lucus’ actions prompted us to give him the nickname “Papa.” 

On Sunday morning, February 8th, the staff at the refuge awoke to find that Lucus had passed during the night, due to a hemorrhaged tumor. He left many memories that will always stay with both the two- and four-legged residents of Mission: Wolf.