In Memoriam

Yote in his box

By Dawn Manley, Animal Husbandry Manager

I took this picture of Yote one afternoon as I passed by his enclosure to work with some other animals. I had given him the produce box that morning as a new bed. I figured he would use it since he was partial to sleeping in small spaces, like in his plexiglass aquarium. He heard me come through the gate, and as I approached, he pulled his head out of the box and rested it on the side (as pictured). He let out a few of his usual whimpers and watched me walk by. The feeling in my heart at that moment epitomizes my relationship with him. I can’t explain in words what it is, but when you have it, you know it.

I was introduced to Yote about nine years ago, and at the time he had several keepers. In the years that followed, all of his original keepers moved on. By necessity, I assumed responsibility as lead keeper and my relationship as one of his “pack members” continued to evolve.

He was amazing to work with – so attentive and willing. I remember some early mornings when I was the first one in the building, he would start howling when he heard me come in. I loved to stand there in the dark and howl back to him from the front desk. Sometimes his howls were so emotional – loud and wild – they gave me instant goose-bumps!

Working with Yote was a gift. Although I miss him very much, I know that now he is free from his physical ailments and enjoying a freedom he never knew but very much deserved.