South Korea is celebrating the safe return of Neukgu, a two-year-old wolf that escaped from the O-World zoo in Daejeon, after a nine-day search that captivated the nation. The animal's return has brought relief to animal rights activists and the public, who were concerned for its safety in the wild.

Escape and Search
Neukgu escaped from his enclosure on April 8, prompting a massive search operation involving police, fire officials, and military personnel. The escape raised alarms due to a previous incident in 2018 when a puma that escaped from the same zoo was killed during capture. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung reassured the public, emphasizing that authorities were committed to capturing Neukgu alive.

During the search, authorities nearly captured Neukgu after he was spotted on a mountain, but he managed to evade rescue workers. A motorist even filmed the wolf as it trotted along a dark road, adding to the public's concern and fascination.

Successful Capture
On April 14, the search culminated in Neukgu being found and tranquilized on a hill near an expressway. The operation involved drones, police, emergency workers, and veterinarians. After being taken back to the zoo, veterinarians discovered a fishing hook in his stomach but reported no other significant health issues, confirming that he was in stable condition.

Public Reaction
Social media erupted with celebratory posts as news of Neukgu's capture spread. Daejeon Mayor Lee Jang-woo expressed gratitude to the citizens and the nation for their support during the search. Posts welcoming Neukgu back highlighted the emotional connection many felt towards the wolf during its time in the wild.

Zoo Management and Future Plans
Neukgu, born at the zoo in 2021, is a descendant of wolves brought from Russia in 2008 as part of a reintroduction project. Zoo director Lee Kwan Jong stated that Neukgu would be kept in a separate area for recovery before being reintroduced to the public. The zoo, which has faced criticism over animal escapes, is currently reviewing its security measures and has not announced a reopening date.

Wrap-up
The safe return of Neukgu marks a significant moment for animal welfare advocates and the Daejeon community, highlighting the bond between the public and wildlife. As the zoo works on improving its security, Neukgu's story has reinforced the importance of responsible wildlife management and the emotional ties humans have with animals.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team