A Beautiful Life

On September 22, 2018, we said farewell to the most magnificent wolf we have ever known. Ambassador wolf Atka died in his sleep at 16 years old; his passing was painless and peaceful with his family surrounding him.
While Atka leaves a hole in our lives so big that words can't describe it, his impact on wolf conservation persists and can not be overstated.
Atka is an Inuit name meaning guardian spirit, and his brilliant spirit lives on in those whose hearts he warmed, minds he opened, and souls he touched.
He instilled compassion, understanding, and awareness to the hundreds of thousands of people he met over his storied career. We will be better and do better because Atka lived. He will empower us to continue the fight to safeguard the wild legacy he leaves behind.
Thank you, Atka. We'll never stop loving you.
Atka, born in 2002, was a captive-born Arctic gray wolf at the Wolf Conservation Center (WCC), a 501c3 non-profit organization, in South Salem, NY. He was one of the four 'ambassador wolves' at the WCC that help teach the public about wolves and their vital role in the environment.
For more information about wolves and the WCC's participation in wolf recovery, please visit our website at www.nywolf.org and follow us on Facebook ( / nywolforg ) and Twitter ( / nywolforg , and Instagram ( / wolfconservationcenter )
Puppy photos of Atka at 14 and 16 seconds by J. Henry Fair

[@colenelvogel7001]

Gone, but not forgotten. Sleep tight, Atka.

[@OkamiKyubi]

RIP Atka. The Big Wolf Spirit protects you. Howling for you, brother wolf.

[@vintizo]

R.i.p atka....will forever be loved❤️

[@MegaMan87]

Good bye, Atka. You where always a part of our pack.

[@LuzDances]

Heartbreaking! I am so happy to have met him 3 times at WCC. I just lost my 16-yr old dog yesterday, so we mourn together. These 2 warriors howl in the heavens together running free.

[@johnlewis1640]

I had a dog that lived to be 17 and a cat that lived to be 20! Sorry for your lose.

[@moonmoonthewolf]

I was born in May 15th 2002... Almost the same age of Atka, I “met” him about 3yrs ago as I first subscribed this channel, he was such a wide experienced wolf that I could hear wisdom in his howl and see calmness in his eyes. I wonder why Mother Nature makes wolves to enjoy much shorter lifespan as humans... prays from another side of Pacific Ocean, from a southern China city.

[@xSweetPoisonGaming]

Rip Atka. You left a special place in all our hearts 💗

[@null3406]

The memory is forever

[@teakbridge101]

I've been watching Atka since 2010, when I first began college...kept up with him all through school...his videos kept me company many lonely hours while researching for papers in the library. He's been my friend for so many years...miss you, Atka!

[@fandechobits]

Hello Kiba 🙋🙋

[@teakbridge101]

Good eye! Wolfs Rain...ah the childhood memories :)

[@TruthNeverFade]

It was Atka who inspired me to be an activist for wolves. I still have a shirt from WCC with Atka on it! I will forever love you, beautiful one :)

[@Fritzrukin150]

At least s/he died in a peaceful way and not from a rifle. Rest in peace Ambassador Atka, may you be remember in the heart's of many.

[@ZolaClyde]

I’m crying all over again, Akta was so very beautiful. He lives forever in our hearts. RIP Akta 🐾 ❤️🐾

[@lilyjameson5156]

Such a gorgeous animal. Atka was an angel on earth. I'll remember him always, and he'll always have a special place in my heart.❤️

[@matthewramirez4670]

*A beautiful life that brought us together as a team to help bring peace and respect to our native companions. Atka will always be looking down at us from sky's with the stars up above. Atka we thank you and the team for all your hard work to Bring peace and love and will always remain a legend in our hearts and memories.* *May we howl in peace.*

[@jonathanmizak4446]

Wolves are my favorite animals seeing that my top favorite animal passed away breaks my heart

[@lonelyforestfae]

Rest in peace beautiful Atka. I'm so glad I got to meet you and see you come to my school in 6th grade. You lived a long and wonderful life surrounded by great people. Rest well, you gorgeous creature.

[@mollymoohoo]

Such a magnificent, beautiful inspiring creature. What really made me choke up was the thought that humans could hunt & Maim & kill such an animal,that you actually have to campaign to protect them to stop them becoming extinct.! Unbelievable .How can you not admire & be in awe of these creatures! Rembered always spirit of the wild .Ruth uk

[@RawrLollipop4]

A wolf I never got to meet, but will never ever forget regardless.

[@muffinscars6187]

R.I.P Atka, I never met you but man am I sad that your gone.❤❤❤

[@peresusjacksonfan]

I never got to meet atka. But his passing tears a hole in my heart I cried the day you guys told and I'm crying again. He was such a good boy and will be missed a lot.

[@oneofthem577]

WE LOVE YOU ATKA!!! You finally made it home little angel! "Tear stream, down your face, when you loose something you cannot replace!"

[@asaguda]

Strange how much I can miss a wolf I've never met. I was sad Atka left us the day this was uploaded. I'm still sad, after seeing Atka chew on a football. But I am happy that the internet made it possible for me to know and see Atka. I cherish these videos. And I always will.

[@asaguda]

It is time again, to leave a comment for Atka.

[@BustedByTheLaw]

I literally cried at this news and I don't usually cry much ever. Atka meant a lot to me and lots of others from all around the world. He will be missed. R.I.P Atka

[@austinsmith2496]

Thank you, Atka for everything you have shown us and given to the world. May you rest in peace ❤

[@thetaneon4383]

Atka has inspired so many people throughout his life, and taught them the truth about what wolves really are - beautiful, magnificent creatures, not monsters. The world needed a wolf like Atka, and he will always be remembered in the hearts of those he touched. Rest in Peace, Atka. We all love you!

[@alextalbain9269]

He was truly the goodest of good wolves and helped changed the minds of so many people, rest in peace, my wild friend, rest in peace

[@peresusjacksonfan]

Rip atka we will fight for you

[@benedictiondelunivers2681]

WE CAN'T DO ANYTHING SHE IS ON THE OTHER SIDE

[@peresusjacksonfan]

@@benedictiondelunivers2681 we can always fight for wolves. She may be gone but we can always fight in his name

[@anthonypolis8807]

@@benedictiondelunivers2681 Atka was a boy.

[@benedictiondelunivers2681]

OH AND YEAH ANOTHER THING I FOUND OUT ATKA MEANS KING IN ALASKA

[@benedictiondelunivers2681]

WELL I HOPE ATKA IS OK ON THE OTHER SIDE R.I.P. YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN

[@ShadowTheGrayWolf]

I literally broke down into tears watching this... Atka was a huge inspiration, loving, fun, caring, trustful, happy, and amazing wolf to me. I love him more than everything. He has touched me in an amazing way, and I will never forget that. Him passing away, left a huge hole in my life. He created lasting memories that I will never forget. Thank you. Thank you Atka for being such and amazing and inspirational Wolf to me. R.I.P. Atka May 17, 2002 - September 22, 2018.

[@tamnyhoyle929]

ObsessiveWolfLover I did same thing...I’m heartbroken . RIP Atka I will never forget you.

[@AlmondMilky]

same :( rip Atka

[@laranunn3801]

ObsessiveWolfLover Same I'm so sad R.I.P Atka you were amazing and still are. Wolves are my fav animal so I'm extra sad I'm heartbroken

[@samiam8597]

It was so moving I could not help but think of my precious dog that died over 10 years ago now. These animals ask so little of our world and yet we demand and take so much from theirs. I was so moved too!

[@ShadowTheGrayWolf]

Sam Iam Aww. I’m sorry to hear that. Yeah. Sadly this death happened and it was very moving.

[@novahoth3406]

He will be missed, I truly wish I could have seen/met him in person...

[@eileenahetrick2798]

I’m so sorry that I didn’t get to know Atka. I just got on facebook this past May of 2020. I have subscribe to all wolves in conservation and then some. I will help them out when I can. I will also be a voice for them whenever needed. God bless Atka and keep the rest of the wolves safe.

[@lunahowler1754]

I've may have never met Atka, but I can tell that he's a very special Wolf to all. Every day and night, well have you on our minds, and we'll remember your beautiful mind filling howl. R.I.P Atka, we love you💜

[@cyndee4535]

RIP Atka. I never got to meet you but I loved you anyway. I am completely and totally broken hearted. You will always be beautiful Atka

[@jessicalarsen4546]

A beautiful tribute to a lovely wolf. I was sad to hear of his passing. I wish I could have met him in real life. This amazing wolf has lived such a long and rich life, been so may places, affected so many people, both online and in real life. He will be remembered, and his legacy lives on. RIP, Atka, may you run with the pack and roll in leaves beyond the Rainbow Bridge.

[@jonathanmizak4446]

Rip Atka gone but never forgotten *howls*

[@ishpaltheretrogamer8714]

Rest In Peace Atka. I will miss you. 🐺 ❤️ 😢 2002 - 2018

[@firewolf9702]

Rest in peace Atka the wolf and we all love your howling. 😢 🐺🐺🐺 *howling away to wolf heaven*

[@lisaothen1607]

I'm so happy I got to spend time with you in August, the peaceful moments between us just staring in each other eyes are moments I will treasure forever. You were worth every mile I drove from Canada to visit you these last 3 years. Your howls will echo through the trees and awaken the forest forever Atka. .💙

[@kristieraynor7182]

What an amazing, awe-inspiring animal. We will never forget you...

[@emmyy3249]

Thank you Atka for blessing us with your spirit, you’ve brought a beautiful light into this world and will continue to inspire no matter where you go

[@giovanany11]

We should aspire to love such a full and loving life as Atka has ......Thank you

[@LastPharaohMetalBand]

Atka, Know always that you are forever loved, AND NEVER forgotten. Rest In Eternity, Dear Sweet Boy. 💖💖💖

[@cahnoaetherelpander6682]

Rest in peace sweet prince, you will be dearly missed

[@XxLegenderywhitewolfxX]

RIP BEAUTIFUL WOLFFF, loveyou akta ❤️❤️❤️

[@tbaxmasbiz]

The best of both worlds- wolf & human!

[@gingerhipszky228]

So beautiful. He was the month of September on the Wolf Conservation calendar

[@johnlewis1640]

I agree with the previous post, rest in peace Atka, there are tens of thousands of people who will fight on for the cause.

[@amyholley4331]

I do as well. RIP Atka, may your memory and spirit live on forever.

[@SnowBlueSage]

Atka was a very sweet and beautiful wolf. He died exactly a week after my dog did. R.I.P!

[@hspartan140]

We had the same birthday date! I'll miss him. We'll never forget you Atka, Guardian Spirit 😔

[@valkiriforce]

I watched many of these videos...no doubt Atka left a big impression on all of us and was a tremendous influence in the world of advocacy for wolves. We'll miss you Atka...rest in peace.

[@GSDMajor]

Goodbye Atka, you were strong & beautiful wolf, we'll miss you 🐺😥

[@Idefix-jc1hh]

Althoug i come from germany i felt in love with you,white beuty. I'm so sad you'r gone. RIP loved Atka. Wish you've found freedom. 🐺❤❤. I'm so glad that wolfes are back in Germany too.

[@donnaberns8789]

Thank you Atka for teaching me to howl ! See you at the "Rainbow Bridge"

[@colliehouse8362]

He will be forever missed but never forgotten he was a beauty and there will never been another like him

[@lifeisajoke5997]

Rest in peace.

[@suzannehall8834]

Such a beautiful soul. This brought tears.

[@texwinterrage229]

When Atka howls, the universe itself stop doing things only to hear the magnificent sound of it. Farewell, dear Atka, we will miss you. Howls of love for everyone ^^

[@oliviatofte1096]

You've impacted so many lives, and so many hearts. May the stars brighten your path as you chase the stars, you are greatly missed. Thank you for purifying our hearts.

[@Nocturno19761]

God bless you Atka. Love you. Run free in the sky

[@dekotahrunninghorse9372]

M soooooooo deeply saddened to hear of Atka s passing. What a tribute to him. May his legecy live on forever. He will forever be missed and will always hold a special place in my heart!!

[@wulffriththewolf3413]

may he rest in peace with the Guardian Angel wolves in heaven howling in freedom forever God bless you Atka

[@Videogameboy1989]

Atka was my favorite wolf of all time. I even dreamed of going to where Atka is and give him a hug to show how much I love him. But I guess it was never meant to be. I miss him as much as I miss my late grandma who passed away last Friday. I love wolves and Atka is my favorite wolf of all. I have no doubt that he's with God now.

[@numan5976]

atka even had the power to grant wild animal residency in Japan... thank you 🐺❤️‍🔥 Thank you🇺🇸

[@purplebabushka852]

So sad. I have been a wolf lover all my life. This was one special wolf. When we hear the howls, we will always remember Atka.

[@teliuproductions8619]

I,.I , Hours days months years go by and we’re still missing it atka, We love wolves especially you atka, we will never forget you,.

[@MrsCaranAmy]

This was a beautifully executed tribute to a very magnificent wolf.

[@christophmarikovics2764]

RIP Atka. Seeing Atka howl in person is one of my treasured memories. Time to make a donation to WCC in his memory I think.

[@Spy64theWolf]

Rip Atka the Wolf 🐺🐾💜 2002-2018

[@Aziz_Piran]

Heart breaking! He is just so beautiful. My sorrows...

[@laranunn3801]

He is so cute, It's so amazing to see these stories of a wolf life. Wolves are my fav animal and to find a youtuber who does stuff all about wolves is amazing.Did he die if he did R.I.P you amazing wolf,You will never be forgotten by me,You are just a beautiful wolf and really loved u and still do.U are the most amazing wolf on this planet,And the most caring creature. BTW this is for him and all the other amazing wolves who have died

[@NateTGM]

Thank you Atka for the great videos and photos. His spirit will live on forever. R.I.P Atka 2002 - 2018 🐺🐾

[@stephaniepadla1240]

RIP Atka! You were and always will be a beautiful soul! You'll truly be missed and will never be forgotten. You were loved and are still loved by many!! You will forever be in our hearts!! #ForeverAtka 🐺💖❤💙

[@paromitapatranobish2787]

run free beautiful wild one. thank you for sharing your life with us. we will love you forever 🌼🐺

[@bluewolfuxx139]

Rest in peace dear Atka ❤️😢

[@dalazay]

I was crying she is a beautiful wolf and she had a amazing life she was the best wolf ever rest in power Atka ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@riturao6565]

Beautifully breathtaking. Wolves are NOT evil, they need love, care, nurture as a dog needs. We need more wolves than humans

[@isabelleroeland6849]

Miss you Atka 😔🐺 Always in our ❤

[@teliuproductions8619]

He was a piece of my heart and now he is gone,. Out of 500 pieces but the wolf part is huge.

[@keithbates598]

What a beautiful wolf. I hope you have special memories of Atka! God bless Joan Bates

[@WerewolfLord]

I only started following this channel about a month ago and saw a lot of Atka videos. I was, and still am, awed by his presence. Requiescat in pace, Atka. Run forever. Howl forever. Find the ocean of your dreams. 😭💔😭 🐺❤🐺

[@slhs1992]

How could anyone thumbs down this video.... honestly?

[@ottotheweinerdog676]

RIP wolf

[@nolanjuergens2336]

Rip Atka.

[@petesashlyn]

I took my kids to see the wolves in the late spring/early summer of 2018. I was most impressed with Atka. Was great just watching him do his thing. A photo I took of Atka has been my phone wallpaper since then. (Sorry to my kids if they are reading this.) Was a hell of a bummer the day I found out he was gone, but so happy knowing we got to see him at least once.

[@loralynbarry8948]

Atka, you might be gone but *NEVER!* forgotten. You were such a beautiful light to the other wolves in the area. Rest in a whole bunch of peace Atka

[@BustedByTheLaw]

R.I.P Atka you will be dearly missed

[@laurametheny1008]

Oh no. I have been avoiding this vid because I was afraid we lost him. My all time favorite. Beautiful sweet Atka. Never got to meet him.😿🐾 But I thank God I got to see him and for you guys who gave him such a wonderful life. God bless you all and magnificent Atka. May he rest in peace. Miss you boy.🐺

[@brinleythesiberian]

Love his low howl! Beautiful spirits! Touching people's hearts! Gone...but never forgotten❤️🐾⚘️🐺

[@loricaruso883]

R.I.P. I'm so heart broken hearing of your passing ,I've watched so many videos of you on Utube I will surely miss you and,I will always remember you,I wish I got to see you see you in person but ,I didn't so I Thank WC N.Y. ! and give my condolences to all the care givers who made me more knowledgeable of wolf facts through ,Atka my prayers include you

[@donnaberns5240]

Always in my heart. 💙🐾🐾

[@mariofraschini2526]

Never i feEl so Sad....watCh watch again and again......rest in Peace beautiful creature 💖

[@PrinceVega]

Rest assured knowing that your howls have brightened the days of many. You will be missed.

[@TheNomadicCat]

RIP, Atka.

[@elleparkerx]

love you Atka rip beautiful soul ♥️

[@bluevictory1010]

What a lovely testament to all the beautiful wolves!

[@rolffriis5149]

R.I.P. Atka 🐺

[@sparklesthecat6507]

REST IN PEACE BEAUTIFUL

[@juancarlosmadrid4137]

¡Qué bella es la creación de Dios! Los lobos sin duda, forman parte de esta belleza.

[@jimsyn]

What a great creature he was..RIP Atka :( ❤️

[@fandechobits]

GOODBYE ATKA AOOOUUooWWouu!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! rest in peace 💐💐💐💐💐💐💐😥

[@marialacramioaracristea8826]

R.I.P ATKA !🙏

[@ki-td5yb]

Rest in peace Atka.