Runaway wolf captured after nine-day search in South Korea

Neukgu, a two-year-old wolf that escaped from a zoo in Daejeon, South Korea, has been captured after a nine-day search.

The wolf was found near an expressway and was safely tranquilized before being returned to the zoo.

Authorities confirmed that Neukgu was captured at 00:44 local time on Friday following an extensive search operation involving hundreds of rescue officials.

A medical examination showed that the wolf's pulse and body temperature were normal.

The search had included several close encounters, including a sighting on a mountain about 2km from O-World, the zoo and theme park where Neukgu had escaped.

Despite multiple attempts, the wolf evaded capture until the final operation in the Anyeong-dong area.

Neukgu is part of a restoration program aimed at reintroducing the Korean wolf, which is extinct in the wild.

The wolf's escape and subsequent capture attracted public attention and concern, including from animal rights groups and South Korea's president, who expressed hopes for the animal's safe return.

The wolf was tranquilized from a distance of 20 meters and entered a stable condition within six minutes.

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