A petition has been started following the deaths
Five wolves were yesterday (March 27th, 2023) euthanised at Camperdown Wildlife Centre.
The decision came following complications after an operation on the alpha of the wolf pack, Loki.
There has been a mass outpouring of grief with members of the public sharing hundreds of comments expressing sadness following the deaths.
Questions have also been raised around the decision to euthanise the four other wolves in the pack after they displayed "unusually anxious and abnormal behaviour" following Loki's operation.
This has led to Jessica Probst starting a petition which has over a hundred signatures.
The animal behaviourist, specialising in anxiety and aggression in dogs, told us why she started the petition. She said: "I would like to see no more wolves being taken in and living in captivity in the conditions that these wolves have lived under.
"Especially with no contingency plan when things inevitably go wrong. For example, the death of the alpha."
She added: "These animals are supposed navigate a territory of five to ten miles per day. In only an acre paddock they cannot possibly perform natural behaviours so it's not a surprise that abnormal behaviour is seen."
The Dundee dog trainer believes options other than euthanasia could have been undertaken. She said: "I'd imagine they would have a contingency plan for when animals are re-establishing a pack, or the ranking system.
"They would have separate enclosures, or they would use medication, or they would have a female come in with one male separately. There are so many different ideas that could be chosen. "
Announcing the deaths in a statement on Facebook, Camperdown Wildlife Centre said: "We are devastated to announce that our alpha male wolf, Loki, has been humanely euthanised today.
"Despite an initially successful operation, there have been subsequent complications, and the difficult decision was reached to save the animal from further pain.
"The other four wolves in the pack have been exhibiting unusually anxious and abnormal behaviour since the operation, and it is with great sadness that these wolves have also been euthanised as a result.
"This course of action was a last resort, and our team is absolutely heartbroken. We ask you for your kind consideration at this time."
A spokesperson for Leisure and Culture Dundee added: "We thank members of the public who have sent messages of support and for their kind consideration during this painful time for our team. We can assure everyone that this difficult decision was taken following expert advice and consultation with the relevant professional bodies."
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