A pack of captive wolves was briefly roaming around Aldergrove, B.C. Tuesday morning after officials say they were illegally set free from the Greater Vancouver Zoo.
By late afternoon, the zoo said all but a “small number” of wolves were accounted for — and now Mounties are treating the escape as a crime.
“The Greater Vancouver Zoo is working with the Langley RCMP and the B.C Conservation Officer Service to contain wolves that have been found outside their enclosure this morning, this is an ongoing investigation and is suspicious, and believed to be due to malicious intent,” the zoo said in a statement.
The zoo’s website counts nine wolves plus six new pups among its grey wolf pack.
“Most wolves are back in the care of our animal health and welfare team. GVZoo staff continue to actively search for small number of remaining wolves un-accounted for,” it added.
The Greater Vancouver Zoo requested #BCCOS support to recapture wolves that had escaped their enclosure earlier today.
— BC CO Service (@_BCCOS) August 16, 2022
According to the @vancouverzoo there is 1 wolf still at large. The zoo is working to recapture the animal.
British Columbia’s Environment Ministry said in a statement the Conservation Officer Service was called in to help and only one wolf remains on the loose.
RCMP are investigating the incident as what appears to be “unlawful entry and vandalism.”
Officials said there is no danger to the public and ask anyone who sees a wolf in the Greater Vancouver Zoo area to contact:
The Greater Vancouver Zoo 604-856-6825 Ext. 2004
Langley RCMP 604-532-3200.
B.C. Conservation Officer Service 1-877-952-7277
The zoo was closed for the day as officials worked to recapture the animals.
