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'Malicious intent' suspected in wolf escape, Greater Vancouver Zoo says

The Greater Vancouver Zoo says a "small number" of its wolves are unaccounted for after the animals were believed to have been released.
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A female wolf, left, and male wolf roam the tundra near The Meadowbank Gold Mine located in the Nunavut Territory of Canada on Wednesday, March 25, 2009. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

LANGLEY, B.C. — The Greater Vancouver Zoo says a "small number" of its wolves are unaccounted for after the animals were believed to have been released as a result of "malicious intent," but there is no danger to the public.

The zoo says on its website that a number of wolves were discovered outside their enclosure in the morning and it's working with the B.C. Conservation Officer Service to "contain" the animals, while the Langley RCMP investigate what appears to be a case of unlawful entry and vandalism. 

The zoo is located about 55 kilometres east of Vancouver, in the community of Aldergrove.

The zoo says most of the wolves are back in the care of its animal health and welfare team. 

The zoo, which announced that it was closed via its Instagram and Facebook accounts on Tuesday morning, has nine adult grey wolves and six cubs.

The Environment Ministry says anyone who sees a wolf on the loose should keep their distance and report it by calling 1-877-952-7277.

The ministry had said earlier that only one wolf remained at large.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 16, 2022.

The Canadian Press

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