An arctic wolf at the BC Wildlife Park in Kamloops died of health complications.

Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Facebook

The BC Wildlife Park had to say goodbye this week to an old friend and a crowd favourite.

An arctic wolf that lived at the park for the past seven years died earlier this week from health issues.

“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Ajaja (AJ), the arctic wolf from complications of an autoimmune disorder,” reads a social media announcement by the BC Wildlife Park posted Aug. 2.

Ajaja arrived at the BC Wildlife Park along with two siblings in June, 2016 at the age of two after being transferred from a park in Quebec. 

“The young wolves, while nervous in their new surroundings, were absolutely striking in appearance, their stark white coloration and tall stature amazed visitors who were lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the trio,” the post reads. 

Ajaja is described as the least dominant of the three and the most cautious, with “expressive eyes and shy demeanor.”

Park staff trained and cared for the wolf over the years which was able to get over his fears through positive reinforcement, rewards and consistency.

“It's a testament to the trust built between AJ and his keepers that he made as much progress as he did.”

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The park said the wolf loved bits of frozen meat, specially formulated meatballs, licking his keeper's hand and sniffing for scents hidden around the enclosure. It lounged on the roof of a shelter to watch the world but often retreated to a cool excavated den.

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“Everyone at the park will miss watching AJ join in the daily chase of the zookeeper golf cart during afternoon feedings, and the wolves melodious morning howls will sound a little less sonorous without him,” the park said. 

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