[26.04.18] Escaped O-World Wolf Neukgu Captured and Treated

Escaped Wolf “Neukgu” Captured After 10 Days at Daejeon O-World…Underwent Fishhook Removal Surgery

📍Location identified through drone search and citizen reports…health stable despite weight loss, under quarantine care

The escaped wolf “Neukgu” from Daejeon O-World has been captured after 10 days. Citizen reports and drone searches played a decisive role in locating the animal, and surgery was performed to remove a fishhook found in its stomach after capture.

🔹 Captured after 10 days…search narrowed by citizen reports

Neukgu was captured early on April 17, about 1 kilometer from the zoo, 10 days after escaping. A series of citizen reports provided crucial clues that helped narrow down the search area.

On April 16, multiple sightings of a wolf-like animal were reported along a mountain trail, allowing authorities to focus their search efforts on a specific area.

🔹 Drone tracking and containment…captured after night operation

Authorities used drones to track the wolf’s movement while deploying personnel from police, fire departments, and military units to form a containment perimeter around the area.

After identifying Neukgu via drone at around 11:45 p.m., they pinpointed its exact location at 12:17 a.m. Veterinary staff and handlers were then deployed to carry out a tranquilization operation. The wolf was sedated at 12:39 a.m. and fully captured at 12:44 a.m.

🔹 Fishhook found in stomach…removal surgery performed

A foreign object was discovered in Neukgu’s stomach during post-capture examinations. An X-ray revealed a fishhook approximately 2.6 cm long.

An endoscopic examination further identified leaves, fish bones, and the fishhook lodged deep inside, posing a potential emergency risk. Medical staff immediately arranged for a surgical procedure to remove the object, and Neukgu is now in recovery.

🔹 Weight loss observed but overall health stable

Neukgu lost about 3 kilograms during its time in the wild. However, blood tests showed no significant abnormalities, and its overall health condition was assessed as relatively stable.

The fishhook is believed to have been swallowed while consuming fish in the wild.

🔹 Special diet and medication…focused recovery care

Neukgu is currently receiving treatment and close monitoring at the zoo’s animal hospital. Food is being provided in smaller, ground portions to reduce digestive strain, and beef has been added to its usual chicken-based diet.

Medication is also being mixed into the food to prevent possible infections, and high-nutrition items such as liver will be added depending on recovery progress.

🔹 At least one week of quarantine…reunion delayed

Neukgu will remain in isolation for the time being. Although there are no visible injuries, there is a possibility of exposure to viruses or parasites during its time in the wild.

After at least one week to ten days of observation, a decision will be made on whether it can be reintroduced to other animals, delaying its reunion with its group.

🔹 O-World operations disrupted…reopening undecided

Operations at the zoo remain suspended following the escape.

The facility continues to remain closed while conducting safety inspections and improvements, and the reopening schedule has yet to be determined.

🔹 Measures to prevent recurrence…management system strengthened

O-World has issued an apology and is working on measures to prevent similar incidents.

The zoo plans to reinforce facilities and strengthen its management and response systems, while authorities expressed gratitude for citizen cooperation.

One-line summary : The escaped wolf Neukgu was captured after 10 days and is recovering after surgery to remove a fishhook from its stomach.