SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — The South Korean internet community was abuzz with excitement as Neukgu, a 2-year-old male wolf, was safely captured after a nine-day escape from the O-World zoo in Daejeon. The wolf made headlines when he burrowed out of his enclosure on April 8, prompting a nationwide search that captivated the public's attention and raised concerns for his safety.
Animal rights activists expressed deep worries about Neukgu's ability to survive in the wild, particularly after a similar incident in 2018 when a puma that escaped from the same zoo was killed during its capture. The fear surrounding Neukgu's fate led President Lee Jae Myung to publicly reassure the citizens that police, fire officials, and military personnel were diligently working to capture him alive.
In the days following Neukgu's escape, authorities reported multiple sightings of the wolf, including one near a mountain close to the zoo. Rescue workers set up a perimeter but were unable to close in on him. A dramatic moment occurred when a motorist filmed Neukgu trotting along a dimly lit mountain road, captured by the vehicle's headlights. These events only intensified the public's concern for Neukgu.
Finally, on Friday, Neukgu was discovered and tranquilized on a hill nearby an expressway after an extensive search that included drones, police, veterinarians, and emergency workers. Once safely returned to the zoo, he was found to be in stable condition; however, veterinarians performed a medical examination that involved removing a fishing hook from his stomach. Fortunately, no other serious health issues were detected.
In celebration of his safe return, Daejeon officials released social media videos showing the rescue operation, which depicted rescuers carefully pulling the limp wolf from a ditch and placing him into a carrier for medical care. The public celebrated with a flood of posts, expressing joy and relief at Neukgu's return, with messages such as "welcome back" and humorous remarks about the dangers outside his enclosure.
Daejeon's Mayor Lee Jang-woo expressed heartfelt gratitude to both the local citizens and the broader nation for their support in ensuring the safe capture of Neukgu. The wolf, born in 2024, represents a third-generation descendant of wolves that were brought from Russia in 2008. This initiative was part of a project aimed at reintroducing wolves that resemble those that once roamed the Korean wilderness before their extinction in the 1960s.
According to Lee Kwan Jong, the director of O-World, Neukgu will be kept in a separate area from other zoo animals during his recovery process. The zoo, which managed to maintain its security measures under scrutiny due to a history of animal escapes, was closed following Neukgu's escape. The zoo officials have not yet announced a reopening date, focusing primarily on the wolf's health and well-being.
Zoo management is currently reviewing and enhancing security measures to prevent future escapes. Once reopened, Neukgu is anticipated to be a significant attraction, drawing crowds curious to see the wolf that captured the hearts of a nation during his unexpected journey outside the zoo.
