Runaway Wolf Neukgu Found After Nine Days
A young wolf named Neukgu has been safely captured in South Korea after a nine day search. The wolf escaped from the O World zoo program in Daejeon, where he was part of an effort to restore the Korean wolf species.
Neukgu was born in 2024 and had lived in captivity since birth. Experts had already raised concerns about whether he could survive in the wild. His escape sparked a large search operation across the area.
Search Operation Intensifies After Tip Off
Authorities continued searching in the Anyeong dong area after receiving new information on Thursday evening. The team tracked the wolf’s movement using drone surveillance.
They eventually located Neukgu moving quickly through the area. A trained team fired a tranquiliser dart from about 20 meters away. The dart hit his thigh and slowed him down.
Within minutes, the wolf became stable. Officials said it took around six minutes for him to fully settle after sedation.
Safe Capture and Medical Care
Rescue teams transported Neukgu back to the zoo for medical checks. A video released by Daejeon city showed the wolf being carried carefully after sedation.
Doctors confirmed that he had not lost much weight and appeared to have eaten during his time outside. They also discovered a fishing hook in his stomach. Veterinarians removed it using endoscopic surgery.
Officials later confirmed that Neukgu was recovering in stable condition.
Public Concern and Official Response
The escape raised concern among animal welfare groups. Some feared the wolf could be harmed during the capture, similar to a past incident involving a puma that escaped from the same zoo in 2018.
Even South Korea’s president Lee Jae Myung shared a public message expressing hope for the wolf’s safe return.
After the capture, local officials thanked the public for their support and concern. They confirmed that the operation ended without serious harm to the animal.
