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Wolf 'Neukgu' Safely Recaptured After 10-Day Escape from Daejeon Zoo

Wolf 'Neukgu' Safely Recaptured After 10-Day Escape from Daejeon Zoo

From Dong-A Ilbo · (1d ago) Korean Positive tone

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • A two-year-old male wolf named 'Neukgu' escaped from Daejeon O-World and was recaptured after 10 days.
  • The wolf was found approximately 1 km from the zoo and was sedated and safely returned.
  • Neukgu is recovering well, and the zoo is reviewing its enclosure security measures following the escape.

The successful recapture of 'Neukgu,' the wolf that escaped from Daejeon O-World, has brought immense relief to the zoo staff and the public. For the veterinary team, particularly Dr. Jin Se-rim, the ordeal was personally taxing, marked by sleepless nights and the haunting memory of the initial failed attempt to tranquilize the animal. His dedication, even taking personal leave to join the search, underscores the commitment of those involved in animal welfare. The public's engagement with Neukgu's story, from online memes to messages of welcome, highlights the deep connection many Koreans feel towards animals, especially those in their care. The incident also serves as a critical moment for Daejeon O-World to reassess and bolster its safety protocols. The zoo's commitment to a full review of its facilities and operational systems, acknowledging the wolf's burrowing habits were underestimated, is a crucial step towards preventing future incidents. The recovery of Neukgu, despite losing weight, and the zoo's plan to reintegrate him with his pack, signal a return to normalcy, albeit with heightened vigilance.

I dreamed of Neukgu every night after losing him. I'm just glad he's been captured now.

— Jin Se-rim, Deputy Director of the National Institute of Ecology's Animal Welfare Department (Veterinarian)Expressing relief and the emotional toll of the escape and recapture.
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Originally published by Dong-A Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.