Neukgu, the wolf that escaped from Daejeon's O-World on April 8, was captured nine days later. Mayor Lee Jang-woo offered both thanks and an apology following the capture.
In a Facebook post on April 17, Mayor Lee wrote that he is grateful to the citizens of Daejeon and the public for their support in ensuring Neukgu’s safe return. He also extended sincere thanks to the firefighters, police officers, public officials, volunteers, animal protection and environmental organizations, and experts involved in the capture operation, and apologized to residents who were concerned about public safety.
Daejeon mayor: We will work to prevent this from happening again
He said the city will incorporate animal welfare and public safety measures into O-World's redevelopment plan to prevent a recurrence, and pledged to strengthen efforts to protect animals.
Neukgu, the wolf that escaped from Daejeon's O-World on April 8, was captured on April 17.
According to the Daejeon city government, search teams captured Neukgu at about 12:44 a.m. on April 17 near the Anyoung interchange on the Daejeon Southern Ring Expressway in Anyoung-dong, Jung-gu, and then transported him back to O-World.
Search officials said Neukgu appeared tired when they found him but still had energy and remained highly alert.
To avoid startling him, teams held back until a veterinarian and additional search personnel arrived. They observed him carefully, prepared a tranquilizer gun, confirmed his location, and then approached. With the veterinarian present, they fired a dart and successfully subdued him. After being hit by the dart, Neukgu staggered and tried to flee for about five minutes before falling into a nearby drainage channel, where he was secured.
Responding to questions, a search official told Yonhap News that because they were familiar with Neukgu’s behavior, they initially avoided approaching and monitored him as he moved around. After the tranquilizer took effect and he fell into the drainage channel, they determined they could not leave him there since water was flowing, so they approached and lifted him by the ears. He did not offer significant resistance.
At the time of capture, rescuers reported that Neukgu’s pulse and body temperature were normal. After being moved to Daejeon O-World, he was placed in an isolation area to rest and is reported to have no health problems.
Early this morning, Neukgu finally returned safely. I am deeply grateful to the citizens of Daejeon and to the public for their support in helping bring him back healthy.
I sincerely thank the firefighters, police officers, public officials, volunteers, animal protection and environmental groups, and experts who worked on the capture operation and on ensuring public safety.
I apologize to the residents of Daejeon who were worried during Neukgu’s escape. Going forward, our city will include measures for animal welfare and public safety in the O-World redevelopment process, and I promise we will redouble our efforts to care for and protect animals.
