The last missing wolf from the Greater Vancouver Zoo has been located after a 72-hour search and rescue operation.
A zoo spokesperson says the animal was found near the zoo property in Aldergrove on Friday morning.
On Tuesday, the wolves went missing after they were allegedly released from their enclosure. The zoo’s deputy general manager Menita Prasad says their perimeter fence and grey wolf enclosure were compromised.
Prasad announced that one of the wolves died after being set loose.
"We were hopeful for a positive outcome for all members of our wolf pack but tragically we were heartbroken this morning to discover, Chia deceased on the side of the road along 264th Street,” she said on Thursday.
The zoo has nine adult grey wolves and six pups and all but two wolves were secured. Tempest, the one found Friday morning, is a one-year-old female wolf.
"We are so grateful for this positive outcome for Tempest but are still processing the loss of Chia,” states a statement from the zoo.
The Vancouver Humane Society (VHS) spoke out about the incident and called on the zoo to address their concerns.
"These situations reiterate the lack of adequate safety and protection of the animals at the Greater Vancouver Zoo," says VHS campaign director Emily Pickett.
VHS is calling on the provincial government to address the “outdated" regulations around wild and exotic animals in captivity.
“How many times are we going to have to see animals harmed, put at risk and suffering all for the sake of public entertainment?” Pickett asked.
The Greater Vancouver Zoo will be re-opening to the public on Saturday.
The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact Langley RCMP at 604-532-3200.
