"Neukgu, the 'National Wolf,' Enjoys Beef on Her First Day Back... O-World Reopening Date Undecided"

After returning home 10 days after escaping from Daejeon O-World, Neuggu the wolf was treated to beef as a special meal on the first night.

Yonhap News Agency

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According to Daejeon City and other sources on April 18, Neuggu, who was captured the previous day, is currently recovering at the animal hospital inside O-World.

On April 8, Neuggu escaped by digging under the wire fence of the O-World enclosure and was captured 10 days later at around 12:44 a.m. on April 17 at a location about 1 kilometer from the animal hospital.

Although Neuggu’s overall health is good, he lost 3 kilograms after experiencing the wild for the first time since birth. A 2.6-centimeter fishing hook was found in his stomach, which was removed through endoscopy. Fortunately, as his digestive function was deemed unaffected, he was given food immediately after being captured.

O-World normally provides chicken to the wolves, but since Neuggu had not eaten for an extended period, he was given both chicken and beef as a special meal. However, to aid digestion, the portion was reduced and the food was ground before being served.

Additionally, to address the possibility of exposure to ticks or viruses while in the wild, medication is being mixed into his food. Reports indicate that Neuggu has eaten all the food provided. O-World also explained that depending on the speed of Neuggu’s recovery, more nutritious foods such as beef liver will be offered.

Although Neuggu is in good health, he has not yet reunited with his family, as there remains a possibility that he may have been infected with external viruses during his ten days outside the zoo.

O-World announced that while no external injuries were found on Neuggu, he will remain in isolation for at least one week to ten days, considering the incubation period of potential viruses.

The reopening of O-World, which has been closed since Neuggu’s escape, has also been postponed. O-World decided not to operate on the weekend of April 18-19, when visitor numbers are typically high. As a result, it will take some time before visitors can see Neuggu again.

An official from Daejeon City stated, "We cannot guarantee when O-World will reopen due to Neuggu’s recovery and facility inspections and repairs," adding, "Currently, we are focused on Neuggu’s recovery and implementing measures to prevent a recurrence."

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