After Alpha Wolf Dies, Other Wolves Also Euthanized... Controversy at UK Zoo

"Based on Advice from Experts and Related Agencies"
Zoo Officials Say "We Are Also Heartbroken"

A zoo in the UK has sparked controversy after euthanizing the alpha wolf of a pack due to surgical complications and subsequently euthanizing four other wolves as well.

On the 29th (local time), according to foreign media including the BBC, Camperdown Wildlife Centre, a zoo located in Dundee, Scotland, announced on the 27th, "The alpha male wolf, Rocky, was humanely euthanized today due to suffering from surgical complications," adding, "It was a difficult decision made to relieve the animal from pain."

The zoo stated that on the same day Rocky was euthanized, the other four wolves living with him were also euthanized. This was because the wolves exhibited abnormal behavior following Rocky’s surgery.

The zoo explained, "Since Rocky underwent surgery, these four wolves showed extreme anxiety and abnormal behavior," and added, "We are very saddened to have to euthanize the wolves. This measure was a last resort, and the team members are heartbroken."

Previously, Rocky underwent surgery on the 21st. Two days later, on the 23rd, the zoo stated, "Since Rocky’s surgery, the wolf pack has been unusually anxious," and "They need time to return to their normal routine."

Netizens criticized the zoo’s decision as hasty. On the zoo’s official Facebook account, netizens commented, "There should be a more detailed explanation so people can understand why such an extreme measure was taken," "It’s incomprehensible why the other wolves had to be euthanized so quickly," and "More time should have been given for the remaining wolves to adapt."

As the controversy intensified, the zoo reiterated, "This difficult decision was made based on expert advice and consultation with relevant organizations."

Wolves are known to have very strong bonds, sharing even the food they hunt with their companions. In particular, when the alpha wolf dies, the pack can disband, and family members may become deeply distressed and sometimes die following the loss.

This is not the first case where an entire wolf pack was euthanized after the alpha wolf’s death. The Highland Wildlife Park, operated by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, also euthanized an entire wolf pack in 2006.

At that time, the park explained the reason for euthanasia was that when the male alpha died, the female wolves would not accept the hierarchy of other males, which could lead to wolves killing each other.