Neukgu, the two-year-old wolf who broke loose from a South Korean zoo and captured the nation's attention, has finally been captured following a nine-day long search. The wolf was apprehended near an expressway on Friday at 00:44 local time, according to the government of the central city Daejeon.
Upon a medical examination, Neukgu's pulse and body temperature were reported as normal. The search effort involved hundreds of rescue officials, who had nearly caught the wolf several times, but each attempt saw Neukgu slip away just in time.
Earlier this week, the local fire department received reports of a possible sighting of Neukgu approximately 2km from O-World, the zoo from which he escaped. Video footage of the wolf traversing roads in the dark, illuminated by car headlights, was shared on social media.
Finally, on Thursday evening, authorities launched another operation in the Anyeong-dong area after receiving a tip-off, leading to his tranquilization and swift return to the zoo.
Neukgu has stirred up national interest, even inspiring a meme coin referred to as 'the wolf that wouldn't stay caged.' Initially born at O-World as part of a program aimed at restoring the Korean wolf population, Neukgu’s escape raised concern regarding his survival abilities in the wild.
The event even drew public attention from South Korea’s president, who prayed for Neukgu's safe return on social media. The city government expressed gratitude to all involved in the rescue, thanking those who supported the operation and worried for Neukgu's safety.
Upon a medical examination, Neukgu's pulse and body temperature were reported as normal. The search effort involved hundreds of rescue officials, who had nearly caught the wolf several times, but each attempt saw Neukgu slip away just in time.
Earlier this week, the local fire department received reports of a possible sighting of Neukgu approximately 2km from O-World, the zoo from which he escaped. Video footage of the wolf traversing roads in the dark, illuminated by car headlights, was shared on social media.
Finally, on Thursday evening, authorities launched another operation in the Anyeong-dong area after receiving a tip-off, leading to his tranquilization and swift return to the zoo.
Neukgu has stirred up national interest, even inspiring a meme coin referred to as 'the wolf that wouldn't stay caged.' Initially born at O-World as part of a program aimed at restoring the Korean wolf population, Neukgu’s escape raised concern regarding his survival abilities in the wild.
The event even drew public attention from South Korea’s president, who prayed for Neukgu's safe return on social media. The city government expressed gratitude to all involved in the rescue, thanking those who supported the operation and worried for Neukgu's safety.
