UK wildlife centre sparks fury for putting down entire pack of wolves after alpha male died
Loki was put down following an operation at Camperdown Wildlife Centre in Dundee
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Five wolves have been euthanised at a wildlife centre after an alpha male wolf underwent an operation and suffered complications.
Last week wolf Loki was put down at Camperdown Wildlife Centre in Dundee despite an initially successful operation.
But while he was away the rest of the pack began displaying “abnormal behaviour”.
Site bosses then revealed yesterday Loki's four family members were also euthanised.
The Camperdown Wildlife Centre remained closed after putting down the wolf pack
The move has sparked an outcry from members of the public with some left angry and branded the mass euthanising as “extreme”.
One local resident has now started a petition demanding an inquiry into why the entire pack was put down.
A statement posted on the centre’s Facebook page said: “We are devastated to announce that our alpha male wolf, Loki, has been humanely euthanised today.
"Despite an initially successful operation, there have been subsequent complications, and the difficult decision was reached to save the animal from further pain.
“The other four wolves in the pack have been exhibiting unusually anxious and abnormal behaviour since the operation, and it is with great sadness that these wolves have also been euthanised as a result.
“This course of action was a last resort, and our team is absolutely heartbroken. We ask you for your kind consideration at this time.”
The centre also shared their thanks to the public for messages of support and said euthanising the wolves was carried out following “expert advice”.
However, some people have criticised the decision and demanded more answers from the park.
The centre has faced public outcry following the death of a pack of wolves
Online, one visitor wrote: “I’m so sorry to read this news and my thoughts are with all involved but if you wouldn’t mind could more of an explanation be given into why the 4 others were destroyed?
"This is heartbreaking to read and I can’t help but think the public should be given more information to help with understanding this dreadful news.”
Another added: “I think the wolves should have been given some time before euthanasia for the whole pack. That seems a bit extreme. Can you please explain just anxiety and abnormal behaviour in a more direct way.”
In 2006, another pack of wolves were euthanised at Highland Wildlife Park by Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, after the animals stopped displaying normal behaviour.
There were concerns that the wolves could kill each other because the female did not accept the next male wolf following the death of the original pack leader.