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Daejeon’s O-World to remain closed while fugitive wolf Neukgu recuperates

Published: 18 Apr. 2026, 17:17

LEE TAE-HEE
[email protected]

Neukgu, a wolf that ran away from Daejeon's O-World, is getting its health checked at an animal hospital after it was captured on April 17. [DAEJEON METROPOLITAN CITY]

Runaway wolf Neukgu is recuperating at Daejeon’s O-World, with the theme park and zoo expected to remain closed until the wolf recovers and facility maintenance is completed.

Daejeon announced Saturday that Neukgu is being monitored for health and is resting at an animal hospital inside the O-World theme park's zoo.

According to the city, Neukgu has been eating all of the food provided. There are no serious health issues, although the wolf has lost about 3 kilograms (6.6 pounds) since its escape.

A 2.6-centimeter (1-inch) fish hook was found in the wolf’s stomach and removed via endoscopy on Friday. Officials said there are no issues with its digestive system, but food is being provided in smaller portions to help with digestion. The hospital is also providing medication in case the wolf was exposed to ticks or viruses while outside the enclosure.

Neukgu is one of the offspring of seven wolves brought from Russia as part of efforts to restore the Korean wolf, classified as a Class I endangered species by the Environment Ministry. It escaped from the zoo at Daejeon’s O-World on April 8 after digging a hole beneath its enclosure, and was captured at around 12:44 a.m. on Friday.

A digital display in Dunsan-dong, Daejeon, shows a message that reads "Neukgu, thank you for coming back," on April 18. [YONHAP]

Although the wolf has returned to O-World, it has not yet been reunited with its family at the zoo, as contact has been restricted due to concerns over potential infection.

While no external injuries have been found, officials plan to keep Neukgu separated for at least seven to 10 days to monitor any possible infections.

The reopening of O-World, which has been closed since the wolf's escape on April 8, is also being delayed. The theme park will remain closed over the weekend, and there is no confirmed reopening date.

"It is difficult to specify a reopening date due to Neukgu’s recovery and ongoing facility inspections and repairs," said a spokesperson for Daejeon. "For now, we are focused on Neukgu’s recovery and on preparing measures to prevent similar incidents from happening."

BY LEE TAE-HEE [[email protected]]