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Ember the wolf is shot dead at wildlife park months after giving birth to five cubs

A wolf has been shot dead after escaping from a wildlife park.

Ember was found outside the perimeter fence at Cotswold Wildlife Park in Burford, Oxfordshire, at about 11am on Friday.

Staff at the park said the animal was killed as a ‘last resort’.

The three-year-old Eurasian wolf gave birth to five cubs earlier this year – they were the first wolves to be born at the park in its 47-year history.

The wildlife park said staff initially tried to hit Ember with a tranquilliser dart but she had moved out of range.

Five cubs were born to Ember earlier this year (Picture: Getty)
Five cubs were born to Ember earlier this year (Picture: Getty)

It said: ‘She had somehow escaped her enclosure and had made her way to an area that was beyond the reach of a tranquilliser dart, and potentially within reach of a busy road.

‘The safety of our visitors, and the public, has to be our priority and our keepers were put in the unenviable position of making a decision that no animal lover should have to make.’

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Ember had escaped her enclosure and got into an area away from the visitor section of the park.

‘The emergency plan was activated immediately and trained keepers carried out an instant response,’ the park said.

‘As a precaution, all visitors and other staff were notified immediately. Those that were indoors were asked to remain where they were.

‘Others were asked to stay vigilant while the relevant team dealt with the situation. At no time were members of the public in any danger as the wolf was away from the visitor area throughout.’

The park said: ‘The wolf was quickly located just outside the park’s perimeter fence, towards the A361.

Ember and her mate Ash were brought to the park as part of a breeding programme (Picture: Getty)
Ember and her mate Ash were brought to the park as part of a breeding programme (Picture: Getty)

‘Trained keepers attempted to tranquillise her but, unfortunately, she was out of range. Therefore, the difficult decision was made to euthanise the animal. This was carried out quickly and professionally by a trained member of staff.’

A full investigation is being carried out and Thames Valley Police were kept updated throughout the incident, the park said.

Ember arrived the park in October 2016 from Sweden along with two-year-old male wolf Ash as part of a breeding programme.