A wolf escaped from its enclosure at O-World zoo in Sajeong-dong, Jung-gu, Daejeon, at around 9:30 a.m. on Thursday. O-World reported the escape to fire authorities at approximately 10:24 a.m., saying "a wolf has escaped."
The escaped wolf is five years old and roughly the size of a full-grown dog. O-World has been raising 14 wolves.
O-World, police and fire authorities have launched a joint search and capture operation. The zoo believes the wolf remains within the zoo grounds and has barred visitors from entering. O-World officials said the wolf appears to have fled into a forested area inside the zoo and are searching the area. A 2.5-meter-high fence surrounds the zoo perimeter.
Daejeon Metropolitan Corporation, which manages O-World, said, "It appears the wolf escaped by digging under the floor of its enclosure." The corporation added, "Because the wolf has lived in captivity for a long time, its wild instincts have diminished, but people could still be bitten, so caution is needed."
The Daejeon city government issued an emergency alert on Thursday, stating: "One wolf has escaped from O-World. Search and capture operations are underway inside the zoo. Visitors and nearby residents are advised to take safety precautions."