A two-year-old wolf that escaped from a South Korean zoo has been safely captured after a nine-day search that gripped the nation. The male wolf, named Neukgu, burrowed out of his enclosure at the O-World zoo in Daejeon on 8 April, sparking widespread concern for both the animal and public safety.
Animal rights activists had voiced fears that Neukgu might be killed during capture, as happened with a puma that escaped from the same zoo in 2018. The intense national interest even prompted South Korea's president, Lee Jae Myung, to reassure the public that authorities were doing their best to capture the wolf alive.
Neukgu was finally found and tranquilised on a hill near an expressway early on Friday, after an hours-long search involving drones, police, emergency workers and veterinarians. He was returned to the zoo in stable condition, where vets removed a fishing hook from his stomach but found no other significant health issues.
Social media erupted in celebration, with posts welcoming Neukgu back and urging him to stay safe. The mayor of Daejeon, Lee Jang-woo, expressed gratitude for public support in ensuring the wolf's safe return. Neukgu, born at the zoo in 2024, is a third-generation descendant of wolves brought from Russia in 2008 as part of a reintroduction project.
O-World's director, Lee Kwan Jong, said Neukgu would be kept separate from other animals until fully recovered. The zoo, which has faced criticism over a series of animal escapes, remains closed pending a review of security measures.
