Neukgu, a two-year-old male wolf, has captured the hearts of many after his daring escape from Daejeon O-World Zoo and Theme Park  in South Korea. Exploiting his natural instincts, Neukgu managed to burrow under a fence and has been wandering the city of Daejeon ever since. This event has led to a massive search operation deploying heat-seeking cameras, drones, and over 300 personnel including firefighters, police officers, and military troops coordinated by the Daejeon Fire Headquarters.

What is very alarming is that hunters are also present, and the possibility of the wolf being shot is very real. A puma who escaped in 2018 was shot.​

He is one of only 20 Korean Wolves left, a critically endangered species extinct in the wild.​

Leaving Neukgu in the wild, despite seemingly the obvious choice, may not be feasible as it is not believed he has any survival skills.

Neukgu's story isn't just a tale of a lone wolf seeking freedom; it's a call for us to rethink the spaces we choose for our wildlife. Zoos, while intended for conservation and education, often fail to meet the complex needs of intelligent and instinct-driven animals like wolves. Neukgu's escape highlights a broader issue—our responsibility toward the animals we choose to confine. 

Instead of being recaptured and returned to a life of confinement within the zoo, or worse, shot dead, we advocate for Neukgu to be relocated to a sanctuary where he can live in a habitat that respects and nurtures his natural behaviors. Sanctuaries offer an opportunity for animals to thrive, providing large spaces and enrichment that are crucial for their physical and emotional well-being.

In many cases, sanctuaries have succeeded where zoos have not, offering rehabilitation and an environment that closely mirrors an animal's natural habitat. There are documented instances of previously captive animals who, once moved to sanctuaries, have shown significant improvements in health and behavior. This underscores the importance of providing appropriate environments for animals in human care.

Help us give Neukgu a second chance at life. By signing this petition, you are supporting the effort to relocate Neukgu to a sanctuary, allowing him the freedom and dignity he deserves. Let's come together to ensure that this majestic creature is afforded the right to live in an environment where he can truly thrive. Sign the petition today and be a voice for Neukgu's future.