Wolf escapes from Colchester Zoo

Zookeepers and police in Essex are on the lookout for a wolf, after it managed to escape from a local zoo.

Staff at Colchester Zoo arrived this morning (November 26th) to find the perimeter fence around the wolf enclosure had been damaged and five of the six animals that were housed within it had gone missing, reports the Braintree and Witham Times.

Thankfully, the majority of the wolves were quickly rounded up, while one even chose to return to captivity without having to be coaxed back. But one of the creatures remains at large and could be causing some concern among members of the community.

A spokesman for Essex Police confirmed officers are now assisting members of the zoo's team in the search for the wolf. Helicopter and ground units are hunting through fields surrounding Maldon Road.

Zoo officials have moved to allay fears among Essex residents by explaining wolves are naturally timid and unlikely to attack.

The zoo released a statement reading: "Colchester Zoo's keepers have been devastated by the loss of two of their beloved Timber wolves."

It went on to explain that one of the five missing wolves returned to the enclosure of its own accord, while one was darted and recaptured. Sadly, two of the wolves were some distance from the cage so had to be shot dead, as a tranquiliser dart takes around 15 minutes to take effect.

"The remaining wolf is thought to be sheltering in thick undergrowth and the police are assisting in its recapture. Wolves are naturally timid and provided they are not cornered in any way do not provide a risk to the public," the statement continued.