Local authorities have temporarily closed down a zoo located in southern France after an escapee pack of wolves roamed the grounds during visitor hours.
A total of nine wolves escaped from their enclosure last weekend at Trois Vallées Zoo in Montredon-Labessonnie, roughly 60 miles east of Toulouse.
After four wolves had been killed for displaying ‘dangerous behavior’, five more were taken to hospital and anesthetized. They were then returned to their cages by the local authorities who arrived on the scene.
They broke the safety gates and scaled a fence to get around, but they couldn’t escape the confines of the zoo.
Local official Fabien Chullet claimed that the zoo was successfully evacuated and that no injuries were reported.
Nine wolves managed to escape from the enclosures of a southern French zoo last weekend. Four of them were killed for their ‘dangerous behavior’.
The wolves escaped from their enclosures at Trois Vallées Zoo in Montredon-Labessonnie, roughly 60 miles east of Toulouse (pictured)
Chollet stated that there were only a few people at the zoo and the public was not in danger at any time.
He said that due to the security problem, the zoo would have to close until these issues are resolved.
Sauveur Ferara, park owner, said that the animals, which had just arrived at the site recently destroyed security equipment but didn’t venture outside of the zoo.
He said that four of their wolves had been killed due to dangerous and unusual behavior.
Prior to October 2020 being ordered, the park was shut down by France’s Minister Minister of Ecological Transition Barbara Pompili. She stated security measures that were in place posed a threat to both staff and animal welfare.
However, the court lifted the order just days later and the zoo continued to be open.
The Trois Vallées Zoo website and social media page announced that the site plans to reopen in mid January after ‘urgent works’ are carried out.
More than 600 animals, including monkeys, lions and flamingos, are housed in the park. It covers more than 60 ha.
Sauveur Ferrara, the park owner said that the wolves who arrived on the spot just a few days ago had escaped from security posts but they never left the zoo (stock pic).