As wolves live in close connection with their pack, keeping them isolated or separated in the long term would have created more welfare problems, the park argues.
A wildlife park in southeast England has culled a pack of wolves after group dynamics deteriorated, leading to escalating conflict.
The pack of five wolves was put down after three of them suffered life-threatening injuries amid escalating violence, the Wildwood Trust said in a statement shared with CNN on Friday.
After other interventions failed to stop the fighting, and following discussions between experienced keepers and veterinary experts, the park, located on the outskirts of the city of Canterbury, decided to cull the wolves – named Odin, Nuna, Minimus, Tiberius and Maximus – to prevent further suffering.
Wildwood Trust has been caring for wolves for over 25 years. Wildwood Trust/PA
“Our keepers have enormous affection for these animals and have done everything they can to find a solution,” Paul Whitfield, managing director of the Wildwood Trust, said in the statement.
“Wolves are highly social animals that live in complex family structures, and when these dynamics break down, conflict and rejection can increase. In this case, this has led to ongoing welfare concerns and an unacceptable risk of serious injury,” he continued.
“Euthanasia is never a decision taken lightly, but in responsible animal care it can sometimes be the most humane option when welfare can no longer be guaranteed,” Whitfield added.
“This decision was an absolute last resort, with the welfare of the animals as the priority,” he said. “It is incredibly difficult, but it was ultimately the right decision to avoid further suffering.”
Because wolves live in close connection with their pack, keeping them isolated or separated long-term would have created more welfare problems, according to the park.
Placing the wolves in other packs was also not an option, as this could have led to more conflict and injuries, or the disintegration of another pack, he added.
“Heartbroken”
In an Instagram post on Thursday, foundation staff said they closed the reserve while the animals were culled and that staff were all “heartbroken”, adding: “Many of our staff have cared for these wolves for a long period of time, and this loss will be deeply felt.”
“We recognize that this news is deeply disturbing, and we understand why many people feel distressed,” the foundation told CNN in an additional statement.
“This decision was made with great care and only after extensive consultation with leading wolf experts from across Europe, experienced veterinary professionals and an independent ethical review,” he added.
Euthanasia is performed on groups of animals for a variety of reasons.
Last year, Australian wildlife authorities culled 90 whales that had become stranded on a remote beach in Tasmania after rough seas made it impossible to return them to the water.
In July, a German zoo killed 12 baboons, despite protests, because it did not have enough space to house them nor could it find an alternative way to house them.
