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
Widow looking for answers after Quebec man dies in Texas Ironman competition
The widow of a Quebec man who died competing in an Ironman competition is looking for answers.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
World seeing near breakdown of international law amid wars in Gaza and Ukraine, Amnesty says
The world is seeing a near breakdown of international law amid flagrant rule-breaking in Gaza and Ukraine, multiplying armed conflicts, the rise of authoritarianism and huge rights violations in Sudan, Ethiopia and Myanmar, Amnesty International warned Wednesday as it published its annual report.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Amid concerns over 'collateral damage' Trudeau, Freeland defend capital gains tax change
Facing pushback from physicians and businesspeople over the coming increase to the capital gains inclusion rate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his deputy Chrystia Freeland are standing by their plan to target Canada's highest earners.
U.S. Senate passes bill forcing TikTok's parent company to sell or face ban, sends to Biden for signature
The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would force TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers that's expected to face legal challenges.
Wildfire southwest of Peace River spurs evacuation order
People living near a wildfire burning about 15 kilometres southwest of Peace River are being told to evacuate their homes.
U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passes aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan with big bipartisan vote
The U.S. Senate has passed US$95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden after months of delays and contentious debate over how involved the United States should be in foreign wars.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.