The operation to capture a wolf that escaped from a zoo in Daejeon, South Korea, has entered its second day. Authorities have deployed over 400 personnel along with heat-detecting drones to intensify the search on the hills after signs were found near the fence around midnight. Schools and amusement parks have been temporarily closed for safety.
The search operation for the wolf that escaped from its enclosure inside O-World amusement park and zoo in Jung District, Daejeon, continues into its second day today (9 Apr). Officials are maintaining strong efforts to capture the animal before the critical period ends.
Police SWAT units, military personnel, and firefighters have resumed search efforts in the brush-covered hills behind the zoo. They are employing technology such as drones equipped with thermal cameras and tracking dogs, involving a total force of over 400 personnel.
A representative from Daejeon City Corporation, which manages the zoo, stated that movements of the wolf heading back toward the zoo have been detected but its exact location remains unknown. Authorities plan to use the wolf's "homing instinct" and animal herding techniques to lure it back into the natural safari area. However, continuous rain throughout the day may hinder the tracking dogs' effectiveness.
Officials aim to capture the wolf using a tranquilizer gun to ensure its survival. However, since the wolf can travel up to 100 kilometers, if the situation escalates and poses a danger to the public, authorities may have to take more decisive measures.
The wolf is a 2-year-old male, roughly the size of a fully grown dog, weighing about 30 kilograms. It escaped from its enclosure on Wednesday morning, prompting the amusement park to evacuate visitors and suspend operations temporarily until the situation is safe.
Daejeon authorities have issued an emergency alert to residents, warning that the wolf may show aggression toward pets. They urged the public to avoid walking dogs near Bomun Mountain and to immediately report any sightings by calling emergency number 119.
Additionally, the Daejeon Office of Education has ordered the temporary closure of Sansong Elementary School nearby on Thursday and instructed other schools in the area to remain vigilant and prepare to respond if the wild animal is spotted near educational premises.