Today is World Wolf Day.
Because of Aoyin, we came to know a real wolf.
His name is Chen Yanzong. He is five years old and lives at Hongshan Forest Zoo.
Yanzong (衍宗, Yǎnzōng), which in Chinese means “to continue the family line,” was the zoo’s optimistic little wish for him. Chen Yanzong responded by staying single for five years.
From today onward, he also has a new title:
Why Chen Yanzong?
Because after reading through his files, it was nearly impossible not to fall for this wonderfully peculiar wolf.
01He once had a heated wolf den all to himself. While everyone fought outside, he came out, stretched, took a look, and went back to sleep.
02Usually languid, he lights up at the sight of cow heads, lamb legs, and pork fan bones.
03After winning the chicken float, he was the first to carry his prize straight home.
04His younger years were not especially diplomatic. After losing to Stanley during breeding season, he later sneaked in a bite on Stanley’s butt.
He is slow to warm up, cautious, solitary, and very much his own wolf.
Then Xiaoqiu arrived.
At first he was unused to another wolf coming close. Eventually, he let her rest quietly beside him.
Once fiercely protective of food, he began gently carrying it to Xiaoqiu after she became pregnant.
Before the birth, he patrolled the nest box. Whenever Xiaoqiu emerged, he hurried over anxiously to check on her.
After the pups were born, he left the large portions for Xiaoqiu and ate only the smaller pieces himself.
The zoo said: “Chen Yanzong has finally lived up to his name.”
Through him, we saw another side of wolves.
They are vigilant. They compete. They defend their territory.
They also stay close, care for family, and save the best piece of food for someone important.
Because of Aoyin, we began to understand wolves—and to love them.
So on World Wolf Day, we wanted this affection to step out of the story and take root in the real world.
And so, The Koko Letter Bureau officially adopted Chen Yanzong.
May more people see the wolves who share our real world.
May every misunderstood wolf find a valley, a family, and peace of their own.
And may the little wolf we are waiting for find the way home soon. 🌙
Some letters travel by post. Some travel by howl.
The Koko Letter Bureau
