Most of us have respect for wild animals, especially when they have the ability to tear us limb from limb. Wolves have just such a reputation, and they are known for being fierce.

Perhaps that is why we are so surprised to see the following video, which shows a large gray wolf walking alongside a human named Danielle. That wolf’s name is Kekoa, which translates to brave one in Hawaiian.

Although she looks big and mean, Kekoa is not quite like the other wolves. It’s important to respect her, and Danielle does, but Kekoa has befriended her.

She lives at an animal sanctuary near Colorado Springs, Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center. She lives there because she can’t survive on the wild and Danielle, who was a staff member, has developed a friendship.

It’s a beautiful thing to see them together, but don’t try to do this on your own. Wild wolves are to be respected, which is easy to see when you notice how big she is compared to Danielle.