ELY- Axel, an ambassador wolf at the International Wolf Center, was euthanized on Sunday due to advanced kidney failure. Axel was a nearly eight-year-old arctic wolf with a bright white coat and an excitable personality. He was a popular ambassador at the center, teaching thousands of visitors about wolf behaviors and adaptations.
 Last Friday, the center’s wolf care staff reviewed security camera footage and observed Axel having a seizure. He was moved to the retirement enclosure, where staff closely monitored him 24 hours a day.  On Saturday night, he exhibited a few behaviors that led staff to conclude he was feeling worse. He did keep eating and consistently greeted the wolf care team.
The center’s veterinarian, Kristine Woerheide, developed a plan for a blood draw for labs completed at the Ely Veterinary Clinic. The lab work confirmed that Axel was in severe kidney failure, which likely contributed to his seizures.
 Because of Axel’s complex medical condition, the irreversible kidney failure and concerns about his quality of life going forward, the center’s veterinarian and staff concluded humane euthanasia was the best option. Axel passed away surrounded by his wolf care team.
 “This is a big loss for all of us, but our team came together to support each other and make the right decision for Axel,” said Krista Woerheide, the interpretive center director in Ely.
 “Axel is already greatly missed by our care team and everyone who knew him, but we are certain that we made the right decision for him,” said Wolf Curator Giselle Narváez Rivera. “We also made sure that his last day was peaceful and that he was surrounded by people who shared a strong bond with him.”
 Axel and his littermate, Grayson, came to the International Wolf Center in 2016 from a facility in Canada. Grayson is still a member of the exhibit pack.
 “Our ambassador wolves allow people to observe real wolf behavior, which can inspire learning and dispel myths about wolves,” said Grant Spickelmier, executive director of the International Wolf Center. “People also build strong connections with our ambassadors, which makes the loss of Axel hard for our whole community.”