"I hope that this book will help create a better and more informed relationship between humans and wolves.” ―Jane Goodall "Takaya: Lone Wolf is a beautiful chronicle of photographer and author Cheryl Alexander’s relationship with a solo wild wolf living on a series of uninhabited islands in British Columbia." ―Barbara J. Moritsch, author of Wolf Time An enchanting and evocative look at the unique relationship between a solitary, island-dwelling wolf and a renowned wildlife photographer. A lone wild wolf lives on a small group of uninhabited islands in British Columbia’s Salish Sea, surrounded by freighter, oil tanker and other boat traffic and in close proximity to a large urban area. His name is Takaya, which is the Coast Salish First Nations people’s word for wolf. Cheryl Alexander studied and documented this unique wolf for years, unravelling the many mysteries surrounding his life. Her documentation of Takaya’s journey, his life on the islands and the development of their deep connection is presented alongside a stunning collection of her photography. Through journal entries, interviews, and a stunning collection of photography, Takaya: Lone Wolf addresses a number of profound questions and tells a story that is certain to inspire, enlighten, and touch the heart. It is the story of a wild animal, alone yet at peace. Praise for Takaya: Lone Wolf : “The story of Takaya and Cheryl reminds me of my long ago relationship with chimpanzee David Greybeard. It is only if you observe a complex animal over time, and with an open mind and heart that you can get a true understanding of the sentience of that animal, his or her being-ness. Cheryl exemplifies this approach – she is not afraid to become emotionally involved. And she knows how to tell a story that can be understood and enjoyed by anyone. I hope that this book will help create a better and more informed relationship between humans and wolves.” ―Jane Goodall, PhD, DBE; Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute & UN Messenger of Peace "Takaya: Lone Wolf is a beautiful chronicle of photographer and author Cheryl Alexander’s relationship with a solo wild wolf living on a series of uninhabited islands in British Columbia. Much like renowned primatologist, Dr. Jane Goodall, Alexander gains in-depth knowledge and understanding of Takaya through her direct observations made over a number of years. She recounts, through stories and her brilliant photographs, details of the wolf’s daily life and activities that would otherwise be unavailable to most humans. Through the author’s eyes, we spend time with Takaya as he hunts, feeds, patrols his territory, and relaxes in the sun, surveying his domain. Alexander provides her readers with details of the nature of Takaya’s home, including both marine and terrestrial habitats and species. Takaya , however, is not just a story of a woman observing a wolf. In her narrative, Alexander underscores the importance and incredible value of individual wild animals, and how much they can teach us. She also, perhaps most importantly, issues a clarion call to protect wild nature―to protect and defend wolves and all other wildlife, and to protect the land, the habitat on which they depend." ―Barbara J. Moritsch, Ecologist and Author of Wolf Time and The Soul of Yosemite: Finding, Defending, and Saving the Valley's Sacred Wild Nature “The relationship between Takaya and Cheryl Alexander, like Eastern mysticism, is beyond words. Call it gestalt, instinct and sixth sense. It’s how they communicated so often. One wolf and one human that each represent two highly social and similar species. Tayaka knew Cheryl’s boat, voice, look and smell, and was often wary of who she brought with her to the islands. Likewise, Cheryl knew his habits, his patterns, and could often predict his behavior. Being a scientist, I often pondered how humans and wild canids got to know each other long, long ago. It is now believed that wolves, originally assumed to be domesticated by us, possibly chose us to become domesticated. Maybe it was both ways, because being with Cheryl and seeing first-hand her keen sense of observation and communication on the islands where Takaya lived, provides the mechanism of how it likely occurred thousands of years ago. Having studied coyotes, wolves and foxes for 36 years, I can say without hesitation that the evidence of Takaya forming social communication bonds with Cheryl is overwhelming. It is through this seemingly mystical communication, comes a story. A story like no other between a human and a wolf, a species from which all our dogs evolved. It’s a story beyond the five senses, beyond known science, and it reaches to the very foundation of conservation: a Hippocratic oath of caring enough to understand, respect and coexist.” ―Dr. Robert Crabtree, founder and chief scientist of Yellowstone Ecological Research Center, Bozeman, Montana "A heart-searing book that draws us into feeling with and for Tayaka. Aren’t we all