After nine days of searching, the escaped otter is captured in South Korea.

Neukgu, Escaped Otter, Captured After Nine-Day Search

After a nine-day search, Neukgu, a two-year-old Korean otter, was successfully captured near a highway outside Daejeon. The Daejeon city government announced the capture following a complex operation involving hundreds of rescue team officials. Neukgu had escaped from the zoo two weeks prior, quickly becoming a national fascination.

Following the capture, Neukgu underwent a thorough medical examination. Authorities confirmed that its vital signs – pulse and body temperature – were within normal ranges. The operation was marked by several attempted captures, as Neukgu repeatedly evaded authorities by seeking refuge in underground spaces.

Animal rights groups had expressed concerns throughout the search, echoing anxieties surrounding previous incidents, such as the 2018 escape of Porong, a puma from the same zoo, where a lethal capture occurred. Despite these concerns, officials emphasized a commitment to a humane capture process. The president has yet to make a formal statement regarding the event.

Authorities are continuing to assess Neukgu’s condition and plan for its return to the zoo.

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