Yahoo News Wolf shot dead after escape from zoo 'climbed over underpowered electric fence'
A wolf shot dead after escaping from a zoo may have climbed over a defective electric fence.
Three-year-old Eurasian wolf Ember, who gave birth to five cubs this year, was killed by a keeper after being discovered outsider her enclosure at Cotswold Safari Park on Friday.
An investigation by the park has now reportedly found the electric fence surrounding the pen was not properly charged, raising fears the animal simply climbed over.
Our keepers were put in the unenviable position of making a decision that no animal lover should have to make
Cotswold Wildlife Park
Staff tried to tranquilise the wolf after it was found outside the perimeter near the A361, but said it was out of range.
Armed zookeepers were deployed and Ember was shot dead.
A statement by the park said: "Had there been any way to save her we would, of course, have taken it.
“Euthanasia is, and always would be, our last resort.
"However, she had somehow escaped her enclosure and had made her way to an area that was beyond the range of a tranquiliser 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.”
The park said it would bolster its “already robust” security checks to make sure there is no repeat escape.
Visitors present at the time of the breakout, which was discovered at around 11 on Friday, claimed on social media keepers tried to tranquilise the wolf several times before resorting to a firearm.
Cotswold Wildlife Park spokeswoman Debbie Ryan said: "As a precaution, all visitors and other staff were notified immediately.
"Those that were indoors were asked to remain where they were.
"At no time were members of the public in any danger as the wolf was away from the visitor area throughout.
"To say we are devastated is an understatement."
The five cubs born this year were the first in first born in the history of the park.
Ember and two-year-old male wolf Ash arrived at Cotswold Wildlife Park from Sweden in October 2016 as part of a breeding programme.
