Neukgu, a 2-year-old wolf that escaped from O-World zoo in Daejeon on April 8, was tranquilized and recaptured after a nine-day nationwide search involving drones, police and veterinarians. Zoo vets removed a fishing hook from his stomach with an endoscope and reported no other major injuries; the wolf is in stable condition and will be kept separately while he recovers. The escape prompted a presidential statement, intense social media reaction and renewed scrutiny of the zoo's security after a 2018 puma shooting. O-World remains closed as it reviews safety procedures.
Escaped Wolf Neukgu Safely Recaptured After Nine-Day Search; Zoo Begins Recovery And Security Review
In this photo provided by Daejeon Municipality, a veterinarian examines the condition of the male wolf, named Neukgu, at Daejeon O-World theme park in Daejeon, South Korea, Friday, April 17, 2026. (Daejeon Municipality via AP)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
The South Korean public breathed a collective sigh of relief on Friday after Neukgu, a 2-year-old wolf that escaped from O-World zoo in Daejeon on April 8, was safely recaptured following a nine-day search that captured national attention.
Tranquilized and Treated: City and zoo officials said Neukgu was located on a hill near an expressway early Friday and was tranquilized after an hours-long operation that involved drones, police, emergency responders and veterinarians. He was transported back to O-World in stable condition.
Veterinary Care: At the zoo, veterinarians used an endoscope to remove a fishing hook from Neukgu's stomach and reported no other major health issues. Neukgu will remain in a separate enclosure and receive continuous medical care until he fully recovers.
Nationwide Reaction: The escape sparked widespread concern across South Korea, with social media filling with messages such as "Welcome back" and "Neukgu, it’s dangerous outside the house." The case prompted a public statement from President Lee Jae Myung assuring citizens that police, fire crews and the military were working together to secure the wolf alive.
In this photo provided by Daejeon Municipality, veterinarians and other staff members examine the condition of the male wolf, named Neukgu, at Daejeon O-World theme park in Daejeon, South Korea, Friday, April 17, 2026. (Daejeon Municipality via AP)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Past Incident Raises Fears: Animal-rights groups and many citizens had feared for Neukgu’s safety and recalled a 2018 incident when a puma that escaped from the same facility was shot. That memory intensified calls to ensure the wolf was captured unharmed.
Zoo Response: O-World’s director, Lee Kwan Jong, said the zoo is reviewing security measures and will prioritize Neukgu’s recovery. The park has been temporarily closed following the escape and has not announced a reopening date. The zoo acknowledged past criticism after several animal escapes and said it will strengthen procedures to prevent future incidents.
Background: Born at O-World in 2024, Neukgu is a third-generation descendant of wolves brought from Russia in 2008 as part of a program to reintroduce animals similar to those that once roamed the Korean wilderness before going extinct in the 1960s.
"We are deeply grateful to the rescuers and the public for their support in ensuring Neukgu's safe return," Daejeon Mayor Lee Jang-woo said in a Facebook post.
Officials said Neukgu is expected to draw significant attention when the zoo reopens, but for now the focus remains on his recovery and on addressing the security lapses that allowed the escape.
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