Authorities reported that the wolf was tranquilized and rescued during the early hours of Friday in an operation involving drones, police, firefighters, and veterinarians. Following his capture, Neukgu was transported back to the O-World zoo, where he received immediate medical attention.
Veterinarians used an endoscope to remove a fishing hook from the stomach, without detecting any other serious health issues. On social media, authorities shared videos of the rescue, showing how the animal was placed in a carrier.
Neukgu, born in 2024, is part of a Korean wolf conservation program, descended from specimens brought from Russia in 2008. His escape, which occurred last Wednesday, triggered a large-scale operation and media coverage in South Korea.