Pack of wolves euthanised at Camperdown wildlife centre following death of alpha

A pack of wolves were euthanised at an animal park in Dundee following the death of the pack leader.

Four wolves at Camperdown Wildlife Centre in Dundee started displaying “unusually anxious” behaviour when alpha male Loki underwent an operation on Tuesday, March 22.

The wildlife park announced the animal had been euthanised following complications from an initially successful operation.

After exhibiting “abnormal behaviour”, the statement confirmed the remaining four members of the pack had also been put down – leaving the team “absolutely heartbroken”.

The full statement read: “We are devastated to announce that our alpha male wolf, Loki, has been humanely euthanised today.

“Despite an initially successful operation, there have been subsequent complications, and the difficult decision was reached to save the animal from further pain.

“The other four wolves in the pack have been exhibiting unusually anxious and abnormal behaviour since the operation, and it is with great sadness that these wolves have also been euthanised as a result.

“This course of action was a last resort, and our team is absolutely heartbroken. We ask you for your kind consideration at this time.”

The wildlife centre went on to thank the public and confirmed it’s closure on Wednesday as the team “processed recent events”.

The statement added: “We thank members of the public who have sent messages of support and for their kind consideration during this painful time for our team.

“We can assure everyone that this difficult decision was taken following expert advice and consultation with the relevant professional bodies.

“Camperdown Wildlife Centre will be closed to the public on Wednesday to allow our colleagues to process recent events. We thank-you for your patience and understanding.”

In a similar incident in 2006, a pack of wolves was culled at Highland Wildlife Park by operator Royal Zoological Society of Scotland – after the animals stopped displaying “normal behaviour”.