My 60 second Tribute to 06', born in 2006, killed December 06, 2012 will run 6 days past the 6th, then it will be retired and will reappear every year to remind all of us of this senseless, totally senseless killing of this young lady. View my 60 second tribute here at www.galloimagesonline.com

 

"One Year Ago Today", December 6, 2012....

 

The World lost a "Rock Star", an extraordinary Yellowstone gray wolf, known as 832F aka "06" due to hatred. Plain and simple. One year ago today, I was sitting in a hotel room (as I am now) on my computer when Facebook and other news outlets broke the news, "Yellowstone's most famous wolf, viewed  and loved by millions" killed, shot by hunter"... I said aloud, "Oh No..." I wanted this not to be true. Why? What did she do to this hunter?  Nothing, of course just hatred for wolves. She happen to be gray wolf in the sights of a gun scope hundreds of yards away. She was totally innocent. When I read the news, I will admit, I teared up (as I am now). 

 

Since I currently live in Ohio, I visit Yellowstone 1-2 times/year. I knew of '06", I have heard the stories of '06', I have seen '06' afar but my closest 06' encounter was on October 4, 2011 in which I spent several hours watching and photographing her and her pack on an elk carcass in Yellowstone's Lamar Valley. She was just not "any old wolf" or "just a wolf", this girl had stamina, charisma, love for family, strength (she could take an elk down BY HERSELF, very few wolves would attempt this (but she would and did to feed her family). 06' was one of nature's extraordinary stories. Perhaps we won't see the likes of another '06 for years, if ever.  

 

She was viewed and loved by millions of YNP visitors from all over the world. 06' is a symbol of excellence in nature and she will never be forgotten, certainly not by me or my wife, Kim. That day, October 4, 2011 was special for us and I am glad we were there in the right place at the right time.  Mark 12/6/2013