On April 17, 2026, the escaped wolf known as ‘늑구’ was safely recaptured after ten days on the loose from Daejeon O-World zoo. The animal was found and returned to the facility, where it underwent immediate medical evaluation at the on-site animal hospital. According to reports from local authorities and zoo officials, initial health assessments indicated the wolf was in relatively decent condition despite its time in the wild.
Blood tests conducted during the examination showed no significant abnormalities, confirming that the animal did not suffer from any detectable health issues at the time of recapture. Zoo veterinarians noted that while the wolf had experienced a slight decrease in body weight, this was consistent with expectations for an animal that had been foraging independently and did not indicate any underlying medical concerns.
Further diagnostic imaging, including an X-ray, revealed a 2.6-centimeter fishing hook lodged in the wolf’s stomach. The discovery prompted veterinary staff to transfer the animal to an external animal hospital for specialized care. Rather than proceeding immediately with surgery, the medical team opted to first stabilize the wolf, allowing it to recover from the stress of capture and regain strength before intervention.
Subsequently, the fishing hook was successfully removed using an endoscopic procedure, a minimally invasive technique that avoided the need for traditional surgery. Veterinary professionals confirmed that the hook had been deeply embedded, necessitating careful handling to prevent internal injury during extraction. Following the procedure, the wolf was reported to be recovering well under observation.
In addition to the physical examination, zoo officials stated they were monitoring the wolf for potential exposure to infectious diseases or parasites, given its time spent in uncontrolled environments where contact with other wildlife was possible. Preventative measures were being considered as part of the post-recapture health protocol.
The incident prompted Daejeon City officials to launch a comprehensive audit of O-World’s animal management systems. The investigation, initiated on April 8, 2026, following the wolf’s escape through a dug-under section of perimeter fencing, aims to identify systemic failures in enclosure security and animal tracking procedures. City authorities indicated that administrative actions and potential personnel accountability would be reviewed once the audit concludes.
The head of Daejeon Urban Corporation, which manages O-World, issued a public apology, expressing regret for the concern caused to residents and committing to a thorough overhaul of the zoo’s animal safety infrastructure to prevent future incidents.
As of the latest updates, the wolf remains under care at the animal hospital, with officials stating This proves expected to craft a full recovery. No timeline has been provided for its potential return to public exhibit, pending continued health evaluations and behavioral assessments.
For ongoing updates on this story, readers are encouraged to follow official announcements from Daejeon City and O-World management.
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