Vancouver zoo closed for 2nd day after wolves apparently freed intentionally
The Greater Vancouver Zoo is closed for a second day after wolves were apparently freed intentionally at the facility.
A brief statement was shared by the zoo shortly before 9 a.m. Wednesday, which is when the facility is scheduled to open.
"We will remain closed today," the message shared on Instagram stories said. "Thank you for your patience and understanding!"
TIMELINE OF EVENTS
On Tuesday morning, the zoo was abruptly closed with little warning to the public. Some who went to the zoo shortly after it opened were turned away at the gates and only told there'd been an "issue with an animal."
The zoo posted a very brief message to Instagram and Facebook stories, informing the public of the closure.
"Important announcement for all zoo guests. The Greater Vancouver Zoo will remain closed for today," the post said, with a picture of the closed gates. "Thank you for understanding!"
Few details were shared by the attraction until mid-afternoon, when provincial conservation officers revealed wolves escaped their enclosure. At that point, the zoo said in a statement that police were "investigating what appears to be unlawful entry and vandalism."
WHAT HAPPENED
In its statement, the Greater Vancouver Zoo said Langley RCMP and B.C. Conservation Officer Service were called to help contain the wolves after they were "found outside their enclosure" Tuesday morning.
"This is an ongoing investigation and is suspicious, and believed to be due to malicious intent," the zoo's statement said.
Langley RCMP confirmed with CTV News Vancouver that a fence at the zoo had been cut and there was break-and-enter investigation underway. They wouldn't indicate where that fence was, but said it's part of their investigation. Mounties also said they didn't have much information to go on, as the zoo doesn't have any security cameras.
The zoo's website indicates there are normally 15 wolves held in captivity at the Langley property, including six cubs, but authorities have not publicly confirmed how many escaped.
Zoo officials said most had been recovered as of Tuesday afternoon, but that a "small number" remained on the loose. It's unclear if any more were recaptured overnight, but officials said the wolves do not pose any danger to the public.
CONTENTIOUS HISTORY
Over the years, the zoo has been the subject of several complaints and criticisms. Most recently, allegations of animal cruelty put forward 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 the health and welfare of animals very seriously," the statement said.
"As a (Canada Accredited Zoo and Aquarium, and World Association of Zoos and Aquariums) facility we meet and exceed all provincial and federal requirements."
In 2019, the humane society filed a similar report alleging animal cruelty.
With files from CTV News Vancouver's Lisa Steacy
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Live updates as Stormy Daniels testifies at Trump hush money trial
Adult film star Stormy Daniels will take the stand a second time Thursday as former U.S. president Donald Trump’s hush money case continues in Manhattan. Follow live updates here.
NEW Why these immigrants to Canada say they're thinking about leaving, or have already moved on
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Toronto Maple Leafs fire head coach Sheldon Keefe
The Toronto Maple Leafs have announced that Sheldon Keefe has been relieved as his duties as head coach.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
NEW Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
RateMDs violates privacy of health professionals, class-action lawsuit claims
A lawsuit against RateMDs has been given the go-ahead by a B.C. Supreme Court judge who found the claim that the website violates the privacy rights of medical professionals is not 'bound to fail.'
Defence attacks Stormy Daniels' credibility as she returns to the stand in Trump's hush money trial
Stormy Daniels will return to the witness stand Thursday in Donald Trump's hush money trial as the defence tries to undermine the credibility of the porn actor's salacious testimony about their alleged sexual encounter and the money she was paid to keep quiet.
With contactless screening tech, this Toronto startup hopes to catch breast cancer early — and save lives
Amid evidence of rising breast cancer rates among young women in Canada, one Toronto startup is offering a contactless and radiation-free device that can help doctors identify suspicious changes in breast tissue. The company, Linda Lifetech, says this can lead to earlier detection of breast cancer.