According to a spokesperson for the BC Conservation Officer Service, officers were called to “recapture” an unspecified number of escaped canines. The zoo’s website says it houses a total of 15 animals, including six newborn babies. “According to the zoo, there is one wolf still at large. The zoo is working to recapture the animal,” an email to CTV News said. “If members of the public recognize the wolf, they are encouraged to keep their distance and report the animal immediately.” The BCCOS spokesperson later clarified that the wolf had indeed completely escaped the ground and that no one was injured. The Greater Vancouver Zoo has yet to issue a detailed statement about the incident, posting a brief message on Instagram and Facebook stories informing people of the closure. “Important announcement for all zoo visitors. The Greater Vancouver Zoo will be closed for today,” the post said, with a photo of the closed gates. “Thank you for understanding!” At the zoo, RCMP and conservation officers were seen in a parking lot. By afternoon, visitors were being turned away from the zoo’s front entrance, which was closed. A person who tried to visit the zoo Tuesday morning told CTV News Vancouver they were turned away because of “an animal issue.” They said no one was allowed in the park “due to public safety.” A park official said he had not been given details of the incident. CTV News Vancouver has reached out to the Greater Vancouver Zoo and the BC Conservation Officer Service for more information, but has not heard back. Over the years, the zoo has been the subject of many complaints and criticisms. More recently, allegations of animal cruelty raised by the Vancouver Humane Society were investigated by the SPCA. In March, a statement from the Greater Vancouver Zoo about the allegations said it was “made aware of an opinion piece” about the facility. “The Greater Vancouver Zoo takes animal health and welfare very seriously,” the statement said. “As a facility (Accredited Zoo and Aquarium of Canada, and World Association of Zoos and Aquariums) we meet and exceed all provincial and federal requirements.” Back in 2019, the humane society filed a similar petition alleging animal cruelty. According to a study conducted by Research Co. last year on behalf of human society, just under half of the inhabitants of B.C. support keeping animals in permanent captivity for entertainment and education. However, 89 percent are against the international trade in exotic and wild animals for the purpose of keeping them in permanent captivity. This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
