In South Korea, a two-year-old wolf named Neukgu, which had escaped from a zoo, was found and recaptured after a large-scale nine-day search. This was reported by the BBC.
Escape and large-scale search
Born in 2024, the wolf was part of a program to restore the population of Korean wolves, which are considered nearly extinct on the Korean Peninsula. It was kept at the O-World zoo and amusement park in Daejeon.
After escaping on April 8, more than 300 rescuers were mobilized nationwide to search for it.
Close but not captured
Authorities came close to capturing the wolf several times, but it escaped each time. On the night of April 13, firefighters reported seeing it in a mountainous area 2 km from the zoo.
Videos circulated on social media showing the wolf running at night under car headlights, sparking widespread attention.
It was even referred to as a “symbol of freedom” and a “caged wolf that escaped”, and memes and cryptocurrency tokens were created.
Concern and public reaction
However, many people were concerned about its fate. Animal rights activists feared it could be killed, as in a previous case involving a cougar that escaped from the same zoo. Experts noted that an animal raised in captivity would struggle to survive in the wild.
Even South Korean President Lee Jae Myung wished for the wolf’s safe return on social media.
Final capture operation
On the night of April 16, reports confirmed the wolf was seen in the Anyang-dong area, and a special operation began. It was tracked by drones, and then specialists fired a tranquilizer dart from 20 meters away.
A few minutes later, the wolf was immobilized and taken back to the zoo. It was officially captured at 00:44 on April 17.
Health condition
Medical examinations showed that its condition was stable and not life-threatening. A fishing hook was found in its stomach and removed surgically.
Experts said the wolf did not lose much weight during this period and showed signs of feeding.
The Daejeon city administration thanked rescuers and everyone who supported the operation.
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