Colorado Wolf-Dog Featured on Frontier Airlines’ 100th Aircraft

Frontier Airlines recently celebrated a major milestone as a company — accepting delivery of its 100th aircraft, the new Airbus A320neo. According to SimpleFlying.com, very few airlines are able to grow their fleet to this level, let alone reach 100 in the same aircraft family.

Not only is this new aircraft giving Frontier a reason to celebrate, but the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center is applauding the unveiling too. That's because Frontier's 100th aircraft features Chinook, a beloved wolf-dog that once resided at the sanctuary in Divide, Colorado.

Many people associate the airline with the adorable animals that are painted on the tails of the planes, which is why Chinook was specifically chosen for this special aircraft.

View this post on Instagram

We are extremely excited to share that we have taken delivery of our 100th aircraft, @airbus AC 369, which features Chinook, the Gray Wolf on its tail! This delivery marks a momentous milestone in the history of our company and is a symbol of years of hard work, perseverance and teamwork. ⁠AC 369 has an extra special tail. The featured animal is Chinook, the Gray Wolf. Chinook was a female wolf-dog hybrid that was rescued in 1993 hours before she was to be put down as a result of controversy surrounding the ‘wolf-hybrid’ label. Chinook’s rescue became the impetus for the creation of the @cowolfcenter, located in Divide, Colorado. Chinook passed away in 2007, but her legacy continues to drive awareness and conservation efforts. The tail of AC 369 also features a unique ‘starry night’ background. ⁠Join us in celebrating this very special occasion! ⁠⠀

A post shared by Frontier Airlines (@flyfrontier) on Jul 29, 2020 at 9:34am PDT

Because she was a wolf-hybrid, Chinook was going to be euthanized at a Colorado shelter in 1993. A woman named Darlene Kobobel stepped in to save Chinook before this could happen, and in turn, the Wolf Hybrid Rescue Center was born.

Since then, Koboel has been able to expand and develop into the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center, which has subsequently saved the lives of hundreds of animals along the way. Sadly, Chinook passed away in 2007.

After reading Kobobel's inspiring story online, Frontier reportedly reached out to her, with news that they wanted to feature Chinook on their newest aircraft.

Besides leaving a legacy and serving as a remembrance of what the sanctuary originated from, Frontier hopes that showcasing Chinook will help to promote and drive awareness to conservation efforts.