A female wolf that escaped from a zoo in Gwangju, South Korea, has been successfully captured after an eight-day search that captivated the nation. The animal, named 'Run Run', escaped from the Gwangju Zoo on April 13, 2026, through a damaged section of its enclosure fence.
The search operation involved dozens of officials, drones, and traps. Public warnings were issued for residents in the surrounding hilly areas to stay indoors. The wolf was eventually captured alive on April 21, 2026, using a tranquilizer dart in a forested area near the zoo. No injuries to the public or the animal were reported during the incident.
The escape sparked significant public interest and concern over zoo safety protocols. Local media reported that the zoo faced criticism for the enclosure's condition. The Gwangju Metropolitan City announced plans for a comprehensive inspection of all zoo facilities following the incident.