Wolf Found After Escape from South Korean Zoo

A wolf that gained significant attention after escaping from a zoo in South Korea has been found and returned safely. Nuku, the two-year-old wolf, dug his way out of Oworld, a zoo and theme park located in Daejeon, on April 8. The escape sparked concern throughout the nation, especially given the memory of a previous incident where a mountain lion named Boron was shot just hours after also escaping from the same facility.

Surveillance footage captured Nuku several times during his nine-day absence, heightening public interest in his fate. Zoo officials reported that the wolf had been spotted near a highway, just about three miles away from the zoo.

On Friday, shortly after midnight, Nuku was captured by veterinarians using a tranquilizer gun. An examination revealed that his vital signs were normal, although a fish hook had to be removed from his stomach.

Nuku was born in captivity in 2024 and is part of an important breeding program aimed at increasing the population of Korean wolves, which are believed to be extinct in the wild. The species was reintroduced to South Korea from Russia during the 1960s.

The mayor of Daejeon City, Lee Jang-woo, expressed gratitude towards everyone involved in the search for Nuku and assured that efforts would be made to enhance animal welfare and public safety as the zoo undergoes reorganization.

The search operation was extensive, including drones equipped with thermal imaging to assist in locating the wolf. It was noted that Nuku had previously eluded capture by navigating around a perimeter set up in the nearby mountains.

The public responded enthusiastically to Nuku’s escape, with some referring to him as an “honorary ambassador of the zoo.” He even inspired a cryptocurrency meme, illustrating his unexpected status among South Koreans.

Once Nuku was rescued, social media lit up with messages welcoming him back and cautioning against future escapades. Even President Lee Jae-myung weighed in, expressing hopes for Nuku’s safe return and stressing collaboration among security forces to ensure it.

Despite his return, Oworld remains closed as authorities assess safety protocols after the escape. Nearby schools also temporarily shut down for precautionary measures.

According to the director of Oworld, Lee Guan Jeong, Nuku will be kept apart from other animals for a period of recovery. The exact timeline for the zoo’s reopening is still uncertain as officials focus on ensuring the health and safety of all animals.