Romeo

Juneau's Beloved Wolf

Romeo's gentle nature and trust in humankind will be forever remembered.

Romeo meets Dakotah by Nick Jans

Befriending a community

Wild wolves are typically shy and avoid humans, but this wolf enjoyed the company of people and their dogs, perhaps because he was orphaned and alone, and missed his own family. Big and friendly, he became more visible to the residents of the community as the lake turned to ice, even playing with the local dogs on the frozen surface. After seeing the wolf playfully flirt with Dakotah, their female yellow Lab, resident Nick Jans and his family gave him a name: Romeo.

Special bonds

Romeo formed unwavering bonds with locals like Harry Robinson and his dog, Brittain, taking long hikes for hours together. John Hyde, photographed Romeo, capturing his essence in the stunning winter snapshots.

The first time I met Romeo face to face, close enough that we could stare into each other's eyes, I felt I was sitting on the edge of two worlds: one so wild and free I might never be able to comprehend its true significance, the other civilized, which I was driven to escape from on a regular basis.

— John Hyde

John Hyde/Alamy Stock

Six-years with Romeo

As the frozen lake melted each spring, Romeo parted ways with his human and dog friends. He would live on his own below Mendenhall Glacier until the lakes froze again in the fall. Then, Romeo would return to live at the edge of the wilderness alongside the community. For six consecutive years, the beloved wolf was a fixture in Juneau.

John Hyde/Alamy Stock

A tragic ending

In the fall of 2009, Romeo appeared as usual, excited to see his friends. On September 18, after hiking with Harry and Brittain, he disappeared without a trace. After an extensive investigation, it was discovered that Romeo had been illegally shot by poachers. Despite overwhelming evidence against them, the poachers were not held accountable, and justice was not served for killing Romeo. While the killers only received a slap on the wrist, Romeo's loss left a deep wound in the hearts of Juneau's community who had come to love him as family.

Remembering Romeo

Romeo deserved a better world—one where human tolerance and laws kept him safe from harm. His life was a testament to coexistence, and his tragic death a reminder of the work still needed to create a future where wolves are truly valued and protected.