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Escaped Wolf 'Neukgu' Rescued After Nine Days; 2.6cm Fishing Hook Found in Stomach
🇰🇷 South Korea /Good News

Escaped Wolf 'Neukgu' Rescued After Nine Days; 2.6cm Fishing Hook Found in Stomach

From Dong-A Ilbo · (11h ago) Korean Positive tone

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • A wolf named 'Neukgu,' which escaped from the Daejeon O-World zoo, was found and rescued after nine days.
  • During a medical examination, a 2.6cm fishing hook was discovered in the wolf's stomach and successfully removed via endoscopy.
  • The wolf is recovering at the zoo, and its ordeal has garnered significant public attention, earning it the nickname 'National Wolf.'

The dramatic nine-day saga of 'Neukgu,' the escaped wolf from Daejeon's O-World zoo, has captivated the nation, culminating in a successful rescue and a surprising medical discovery. The wolf, now affectionately dubbed the 'National Wolf,' had become a symbol of public concern and fascination during its time on the run.

Initially, when Neukgu was transferred to us, we conducted blood tests and X-rays. The blood tests showed no particular abnormalities, but the X-rays revealed a fishing hook about 2.6cm long.

— Han So-young, Head of Daejeon City's Animal Medical DivisionDescribing the medical findings after the wolf was recaptured.

Upon recapture, a routine examination revealed a startling detail: a 2.6cm fishing hook lodged in Neukgu's stomach. This discovery, made through X-rays and confirmed via endoscopy, highlighted the dangers the animal faced while in the wild. Veterinarians were able to remove the hook, a procedure that underscores the dedication of the rescue and medical teams involved.

The fishing hook's position was very deep, and it had gone inward. It appears the hungry wolf swallowed fish and leaves.

— Han So-young, Head of Daejeon City's Animal Medical DivisionExplaining the location and likely cause of the swallowed fishing hook.

The incident has sparked widespread discussion about animal welfare and the challenges of managing wildlife escapes. For South Koreans, Neukgu's story is more than just a news item; it's a narrative of resilience and survival. The public's intense interest, with many citizens expressing a desire to visit Daejeon to see the wolf, demonstrates a deep emotional connection and a collective sense of relief at its safe return. This level of public engagement is a unique aspect of how such stories unfold here, reflecting a society that deeply cares about its animal inhabitants.

The wolf was rescued today and is in a weakened state. Due to the potential for an emergency situation and the risk posed by the fishing hook's location, we referred it to a hospital and have now removed the fishing hook. It is currently recovering.

— Han So-young, Head of Daejeon City's Animal Medical DivisionProviding an update on the wolf's condition and treatment after its rescue.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Dong-A Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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