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Daejeon's Fugitive Wolf Recaptured After 9 Days
17 Apr
Summary
- A wolf named Neukgu evaded capture for nine days in Daejeon.
- Neukgu was safely recaptured using a tranquilizer gun.
- The wolf's escape sparked national attention and a meme coin.
A wolf named Neukgu, which escaped from the O-World zoo in Daejeon, South Korea, was safely recaptured on Friday, April 17, 2026, after a nine-day absence. The two-year-old male wolf had evaded multiple capture attempts since his escape, which occurred when he burrowed under a fence.
Neukgu was located near a highway interchange and safely subdued with a tranquilizer gun by a veterinarian. He has since been returned to the zoo for a health check, where veterinarians found and removed a fishing hook from his stomach. His vital signs were reported as normal.
The wolf's escape had garnered significant national attention, leading to the temporary closure of the zoo and an associated theme park. Local officials, including Daejeon Mayor Lee Jang-woo, have pledged to improve animal welfare and public safety measures at the zoo.
The saga also had broader cultural impact, inspiring a cryptocurrency meme coin named "Neukgu" and significant online discussion, with many citizens expressing fondness for the escaped animal.
