A zoo in the south of France has been temporarily closed after a group of nine wolves escaped from their enclosure during visitation hours, officials said on Friday.
The event at the Trois Vallees zoo in Montredon-Labessonnie in the Tarn area last weekend did not result in any human injuries, but four of the wolves were shot dead by park staff and five others were anaesthetized by local officials on the spot, according to local official Fabien Chollet.
"There were not many people at the zoo at the time, and the public was never in danger," Chollet continued. However, due to a "security concern," the zoo had to be shuttered until the problems were resolved, he added.
The wolves, who were just arrived at the attraction, fled after demolishing security facilities, but never left the zoo, according to park owner Sauveur Ferrara.
Nevertheless the “safety drawback” meant that the zoo now wanted to be closed till the problems have been rectified, Mr Chollet added.
The park’s proprietor Sauveur Ferrara stated the wolves, who have been newly arrived on the attraction, escaped after destroying safety installations however by no means went exterior the zoo itself.
In October 2020, the zoo was hit by a closure order over safety measures however this was later lifted by a court docket.
The zoo's social media page stated it plans to reopen in the midst of subsequent month.
