Runaway Wolf Neukgu Captured After Nine Days
Neukgu, the two-year-old wolf that escaped from a South Korean zoo and attracted nationwide attention, was finally captured after a nine-day search.
According to the government of Daejeon, the central city where the zoo is located, Neukgu was apprehended near an expressway on Friday at 00:44 local time (16:44 GMT).
Following a medical examination, authorities confirmed that Neukgu's pulse and body temperature were within normal ranges.
Hundreds of rescue officials had been deployed to find Neukgu during the extensive search efforts.
Close Calls and Search Efforts
Authorities came close to capturing Neukgu multiple times, but each time the wolf managed to evade capture by slipping away.
Earlier in the week, the local fire department received a report on Monday night indicating that Neukgu had been spotted on a mountain approximately 2km (1.2 miles) from O-World, the zoo and theme park from which he escaped.
A video showing the wolf running along a road at night, illuminated by vehicle headlights, was also shared on social media.
Authorities acted on this lead by launching a search-and-rescue mission, but Neukgu ultimately escaped once again.
Symbolism and Conservation Efforts
The elusive wolf inspired the creation of a meme coin, described by its creators as representing the "wolf that wouldn't stay caged" and a "symbol of independence."
Born in 2024, Neukgu is part of a conservation program at O-World aimed at restoring the Korean wolf population, which once roamed the Korean Peninsula but is now considered extinct in the wild.
Despite his captivity, there were concerns about whether Neukgu could survive in the wild.
Animal rights groups expressed worries that Neukgu might be harmed during the capture process, referencing the 2018 incident in which Porongi, a puma that escaped from the same zoo, was killed.
South Korea's president, Lee Jae Myung, publicly expressed hope for Neukgu's safe return in a social media post.
These concerns have been alleviated now that Neukgu has been safely recaptured.
Final Capture and Medical Treatment
Authorities launched another search operation in the Anyeong-dong area on Thursday evening after receiving a tip-off. It was there that Neukgu was finally captured.
Officials used a tranquilliser gun to shoot Neukgu in the thigh from a distance of 20 meters (66 feet) before transporting him back to the zoo.
Authorities described Neukgu as "moving very fast" and monitored him via drone during the operation. It took approximately six minutes for him to reach a "stable" condition.
A video of the capture operation, posted by the Daejeon city government, showed a limp Neukgu being carried by rescuers and placed into a carrier. Subsequent photos showed the sedated wolf receiving medical attention.
Officials reported that Neukgu "hadn't lost much weight" and appeared to have eaten recently. During medical examination, a fishing hook was found inside his stomach and was removed through endoscopic surgery.
"Thank you to everyone who worked hard to bring Neukgu home," the city government wrote on social media.
"To everyone who worried about Neukgu's safety and cheered us on, thank you all so much."
