A pack of wolves is on the loose in Vancouver after escaping from a zoo after a hole was deliberately cut in the fence to free the animals.
The Greater Vancouver Zoo has been forced to shut after a ‘small number’ of wolves escaped from their enclosure.
Nine wolves and six cubs are normally held there, and the zoo has said some are safely back in their care but the rest of the pack is on the run.
A pack of wolves is on the loose in Vancouver after escaping from a zoo after a hole was deliberately cut in the fence to free the animals. Pictured: authorities on the search
The Greater Vancouver Zoo has been forced to shut after a ‘small number’ of wolves escaped from their enclosure
Police are investigating how the wolves escaped through what appeared to be a deliberate hole cut in the fence.
The zoo said the escape was ‘suspicious, and believes to be due to malicious intent’.
Police said: ‘Langley RCMP are investigating what appears to be unlawful entry and vandalism.’
The zoo said the animals do not pose a threat to members of the public.
Nine wolves and six cubs are normally held there, and the zoo has said some are safely back in their care
But the British Columbia Conservation Officer Service told CTV news that people should ‘keep their distance’ from the animals.
The zoo said in a statement: ‘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.
‘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 unaccounted for.
Police are investigating how the wolves escaped through what appeared to be a deliberate hole cut in the fence (file image)
‘Langley RCMP are investigating what appears to be unlawful entry and vandalism.
‘Zoo officials say there is no danger to the public and ask anyone who sees a wolf in the Greater Vancouver Zoo area to contact the following below.
‘If you have information 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 Greater Vancouver Zoo previously made headlines when a black bear bit a young girl in 2019, while last year an employee was injured while feeding a jaguar.