Escaped Wolf 'Neukgu' Captured After Nine Days, Fishing Hook Removed

The daring escape of 'Neukgu,' a two-year-old wolf from Daejeon Zoo, captivated the city for nine days before his eventual capture. This incident, however, is more than just a tale of an animal's adventure; it shines a harsh spotlight on the recurring lapses in security at the O-World zoo. It's a stark reminder of the 2018 puma escape, raising serious questions about the adequacy of the zoo's enclosures and maintenance protocols.

“

We are preparing to capture the wolf, which has been confirmed to be in the vicinity of Chim-san.

Neukgu's journey ended in a wooded area, far from his enclosure, after he managed to dig under a fence and scale a 2-meter wall. The discovery of a 2.6cm fishing hook in his stomach, likely swallowed while he was roaming, adds a layer of pathos to his ordeal. While veterinarians successfully removed the hook and Neukgu is recovering, the incident underscores the dangers wild animals face when they escape their enclosures, both to themselves and potentially to the public.

“

We will do our best to capture the wolf safely without causing it any further stress.

The zoo officials are pointing to a possible cause: Neukgu may have been stressed by the presence of humans who were tending to another sick wolf. This explanation, while plausible, does little to assuage public concern about the zoo's overall management. The zoo has promised a thorough review and reinforcement of its facilities, but for many in Daejeon, this incident is a painful echo of past failures. The focus now is on Neukgu's recovery and ensuring such an escape never happens again.

“

The underground fence appears to have rusted due to moisture.