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
LIVE B.C. seeks ban on using drugs in 'all public spaces,' shifting approach to decriminalization
The B.C. government is moving to have drug use banned in 'all public spaces,' marking a major shift in the province's approach to decriminalization.
Air traveller complaints to Canadian Transportation Agency hit new high
The Canadian Transportation Agency has hit a record high of more than 71,000 complaints in a backlog. The quasi-judicial regulator and tribunal tasked with settling disputes between customers and the airlines says the backlog is growing because the number of incoming complaints keeps increasing.
Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
More than 115 cases of eye damage reported in Ontario after solar eclipse
More than 115 people who viewed the solar eclipse in Ontario earlier this month experienced eye damage after the event, according to eye doctors in the province.
U.S. flight attendant indicted in attempt to record teen girl in airplane bathroom
An American Airlines flight attendant was indicted Thursday after authorities said he tried to secretly record video of a 14-year-old girl using an airplane bathroom last September.
76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid says he has Bell's palsy
Philadelphia 76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, a form of facial paralysis he says has affected him since before the play-in tournament.
AFN chief says Air Canada offered a 15% discount after her headdress was mishandled
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief complained to Air Canada about how staffers treated her and her ceremonial headdress on a flight this week, she says the airline responded by offering a 15 per cent discount on her next flight.
Trump's lawyers try to discredit testimony of prosecution's first witness in hush money trial
Donald Trump's defence team attacked the credibility Friday of the prosecution's first witness in his hush money case, seeking to discredit testimony detailing a scheme between Trump and a tabloid to bury negative stories to protect the Republican's 2016 presidential campaign.