Release the Hamburg IKEA wolf back into the wild

Recent signers:
Ana Gruber and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

Let's set the record straight about the so-called 'Hamburg wolf attack.' Over the past several weeks, a young wolf was spotted multiple times in various areas around Hamburg, seemingly a juvenile navigating the city alone for the first time. Whether separated from or voluntarily leaving his pack, the wolf appeared disoriented but harmless, wandering through streets and gardens in search of freedom.

His unfortunate misstep happened when he ventured into central Hamburg, finding himself trapped inside a bustling shopping center. It was here, in the chaos of an IKEA store, that a minor incident occurred. In his panic and confusion, the wolf accidentally knocked over a woman, resulting in a scratch on her face. Thankfully, the injury was minor, but the incident cast this young wolf in a negative light.

Currently, this young wolf is being held at a wildlife park, far removed from his natural environment. However, this isn't where he belongs. Wolves are essential to our ecosystem, playing a pivotal role in maintaining balance in the natural world. Keeping this wolf in captivity can not only cause distress to the animal but also sets a dangerous precedent for how we handle wildlife encounters in urban settings.

Instead of confining him, we should focus on his rehabilitation and release him back into his natural habitat, where he can thrive and continue to contribute to the ecological system. Organizations proficient in wildlife management can ensure a safe and responsible reintroduction into the wild.
“This is the truth about the so-called ‘Hamburg wolf attack’ — and it’s not what you’ve been told.”

Over the past couple of weeks, this young wolf had been seen multiple times around Hamburg…. likely a juvenile, alone for the first time — either separated from, or having just left, his pack. 

Casually walking down streets and back gardens looking disoriented and looking for freedom.

Then he made a critical mistake.

He wandered straight into central Hamburg… and became trapped inside a busy shopping centre near IKEA with automatic doors.

He became panicked, disoriented as he was surrounded by people.

A woman, thinking he was a dog, tried to guide him out and he injured her trying to get away from her.

Media headlines claimed he bit her in the face…

But that now appears to be exaggerated as a witness came forward and said he tried to jump past the woman to escape… and caught her cheek with a claw.

She had Minor injuries and was treated and is fine.

The wolf fled… only to be cornered again by authorities near a canal, where he fell in.

Authorities pulled him out with ropes — no darting was needed— and secured him safely.

He has now been transferred to Klövensteen Wildlife Park in west Hamburg, where vets are monitoring him.

At this stage, the plan is to assess his condition and behaviour —

and if he’s healthy and stable, the aim would usually be to return him to the wild, away from urban areas.

But no final decision on release has been confirmed yet.

#hamburg #wolf #wolfbite #animalnews #wolfnews #wolfattack #europeanwolf #germany #hamburg
By signing this petition, you help urge local authorities and the wildlife park to prioritize the wolf's wellbeing and facilitate his release. It is crucial to acknowledge that wildlife belongs in the wild, and with our help, this wolf can find his way back home. Sign and help us urge the return of this innocent creature to his rightful place in nature.

avatar of the starter
Nicole CorradoPetition StarterI am a visual artist.

135

Recent signers:
Ana Gruber and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

Let's set the record straight about the so-called 'Hamburg wolf attack.' Over the past several weeks, a young wolf was spotted multiple times in various areas around Hamburg, seemingly a juvenile navigating the city alone for the first time. Whether separated from or voluntarily leaving his pack, the wolf appeared disoriented but harmless, wandering through streets and gardens in search of freedom.

His unfortunate misstep happened when he ventured into central Hamburg, finding himself trapped inside a bustling shopping center. It was here, in the chaos of an IKEA store, that a minor incident occurred. In his panic and confusion, the wolf accidentally knocked over a woman, resulting in a scratch on her face. Thankfully, the injury was minor, but the incident cast this young wolf in a negative light.

Currently, this young wolf is being held at a wildlife park, far removed from his natural environment. However, this isn't where he belongs. Wolves are essential to our ecosystem, playing a pivotal role in maintaining balance in the natural world. Keeping this wolf in captivity can not only cause distress to the animal but also sets a dangerous precedent for how we handle wildlife encounters in urban settings.

Instead of confining him, we should focus on his rehabilitation and release him back into his natural habitat, where he can thrive and continue to contribute to the ecological system. Organizations proficient in wildlife management can ensure a safe and responsible reintroduction into the wild.
“This is the truth about the so-called ‘Hamburg wolf attack’ — and it’s not what you’ve been told.”

Over the past couple of weeks, this young wolf had been seen multiple times around Hamburg…. likely a juvenile, alone for the first time — either separated from, or having just left, his pack. 

Casually walking down streets and back gardens looking disoriented and looking for freedom.

Then he made a critical mistake.

He wandered straight into central Hamburg… and became trapped inside a busy shopping centre near IKEA with automatic doors.

He became panicked, disoriented as he was surrounded by people.

A woman, thinking he was a dog, tried to guide him out and he injured her trying to get away from her.

Media headlines claimed he bit her in the face…

But that now appears to be exaggerated as a witness came forward and said he tried to jump past the woman to escape… and caught her cheek with a claw.

She had Minor injuries and was treated and is fine.

The wolf fled… only to be cornered again by authorities near a canal, where he fell in.

Authorities pulled him out with ropes — no darting was needed— and secured him safely.

He has now been transferred to Klövensteen Wildlife Park in west Hamburg, where vets are monitoring him.

At this stage, the plan is to assess his condition and behaviour —

and if he’s healthy and stable, the aim would usually be to return him to the wild, away from urban areas.

But no final decision on release has been confirmed yet.

#hamburg #wolf #wolfbite #animalnews #wolfnews #wolfattack #europeanwolf #germany #hamburg
By signing this petition, you help urge local authorities and the wildlife park to prioritize the wolf's wellbeing and facilitate his release. It is crucial to acknowledge that wildlife belongs in the wild, and with our help, this wolf can find his way back home. Sign and help us urge the return of this innocent creature to his rightful place in nature.

avatar of the starter
Nicole CorradoPetition StarterI am a visual artist.

The Decision Makers

Beaureau of Environment, Climate Change, and Agriculture
Beaureau of Environment, Climate Change, and Agriculture

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Petition created on April 2, 2026