Missing wolf that became internet sensation is found
April 17, 2026
A wolf that escaped form a South Korean zoo, becoming an internet sensation in the process, has been found.
A young wolf whose nine-day escapade from a South Korean zoo captured the nation's heart and attention has been safely found and returned. The two-year-old male wolf, named Neukgu, was recaptured in the early hours of Friday morning near a highway interchange in the city of Daejeon, bringing a tranquil end to a saga that sparked widespread public concern and a massive search operation. The animal had become an internet sensation after breaking free from the O-World zoo.
Neukgu’s adventure began on April 8 when he managed to burrow under a fence in his enclosure. His disappearance triggered an immediate and extensive search effort involving around 300 personnel, drones, and thermal cameras. The situation led to the temporary closure of a nearby elementary school out of safety concerns. As days passed, the wolf skillfully evaded capture, at one point breaking through a perimeter set by rescue workers on a nearby mountain. The story of the elusive wolf quickly spread across social media, with many users expressing both fear for public safety and a strong desire for the animal's well-being.
The nationwide focus on Neukgu’s fate was so intense that even South Korean President Lee Jae Myung reassured the public that authorities were doing everything possible to capture the wolf alive. This concern was amplified by a previous incident at the same zoo in 2018, when a puma that had escaped was killed during its capture. Animal rights activists voiced their worries throughout the search, questioning if the wolf could survive on its own and advocating for a non-lethal resolution. The public's fascination also led to some misinformation, including the circulation of an AI-generated image of the wolf that was mistaken for a real sighting.
The search concluded shortly after midnight on April 17, nine days after it began. Following a tip, a search team located Neukgu near an expressway. A veterinarian successfully subdued the animal with a tranquilizer dart, and the wolf was transported back to the O-World zoo. Upon examination, Neukgu was found to be in stable condition, though veterinarians did have to remove a fishing hook from his stomach. Social media erupted in celebration at the news of his safe return.
In the aftermath of the capture, the Daejeon mayor, Lee Jang-woo, apologized for the public anxiety caused by the escape and pledged to implement better measures for animal welfare and civil safety. The O-World zoo, which closed to the public following the incident, remains shut down as it reviews its security protocols. Zoo officials have stated their priority is Neukgu's recovery and care. For many, the runaway wolf has become a symbol, with some members of the public vowing to visit him once the zoo reopens, turning his breakout story into an unlikely boost for the facility's profile.
Source: skynews