The Greater Vancouver Zoo says one of the wolves that escaped from its enclosure this week, after the perimeter fence was deliberately cut, has been found dead on the side of the road and another wolf is still missing.
The Aldergrove Community Zoo in Langley, B.C., has been closed for three days while workers and conservation officers search for the wolves, which Langley RCMP suspect were released when someone deliberately damaged the animals’ enclosure.
The zoo’s deputy general manager, Menita Prasad, says the facility’s perimeter fence and enclosure that housed nine adult gray wolves and six cubs had been deliberately cut early Tuesday, allowing the escape.
Langley RCMP are investigating what appears to be a case of trespassing and vandalism that involved damage to the wolf enclosure.
“I can only tell you that there was damage to the compound to allow the wolves to get out. At this point, there is no surveillance, so we have no information that indicates how they got in or suspect information,” Chief . Holly Largy said in an interview Wednesday.
Prasad told a news conference Thursday that searchers were “heartbroken” to find a three-year-old wolf named Chia dead by the side of 264 Street in Aldergrove.
LOOK | The zoo’s deputy general manager gives an emotional update on the wolf’s escape:
The zoo’s deputy general manager gives an emotional update on the wolf’s escape
In an emotional press conference on Thursday, the zoo’s deputy general manager Menita Prasad said that one of the escaped wolves was found dead on the side of the road, while another wolf is still missing.
He says Tempest, a one-year-old wolf, is still missing and is believed to be in the vicinity of the zoo.
“As a result of this senseless act, our wolf pack has lost two family members,” Prasad said Thursday. “We watched these wolves grow up. We consider the zoo animals part of our family.”
Prasad says Tempest is a “shy wolf” that poses no threat to public safety, but anyone who sees the animal should not approach it and call authorities to report it. nor the location.
“Storm, that’s out there right now, they’re just trying to get home. You know, they’re not dangerous,” he said.
The search is on for the remaining wolf
Chia was listed by the zoo’s website as the oldest member of her pack. Prasad said Tempest was born last year at the zoo.
He said the “search and rescue operation” will continue and is asking for the public’s help “to reunite Tempest with his family.”
“She is a small wolf with gray-brown pup fur and white markings on her muzzle and forehead,” Prasad said.
According to Prasad, the zoo, which is located about 55 kilometers outside of Vancouver, plans to reopen on Saturday.
Anyone who sees the missing wolf is encouraged to keep a safe distance and report the animal immediately to the Report All Poachers and Pollutants (RAPP) line at 1-877-952-7277.