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ESCAPE: Police are hunting one of Colchester Zoo’s wolves after it went missing this morning [KAREN MERCER/ALAMY]
Police are trying to find the animal after it was reported missing from Colchester Zoo in Essex at about 8am.
An Essex Police spokesman said: “Police are currently assisting staff at Colchester Zoo searching for a wolf that’s escaped from the zoo site.
“Officials at the zoo have said that wolves are naturally timid, and provided they’re not cornered in any way, do not pose a risk to the public.”
At 3pm, Essex Police tweeted to say they were investigating a “postive sighting” and that an area had been cordoned off.
The animal was one of three to have tried to leave the zoo this morning.
Two others are dead.
Police teams are searching fields around the zoo and Maldon Road. The police helicopter has also been assisting with the search.
Officials at the zoo said Wolves are naturally timid but should not be cornered in any way.”
A statement from the zoo said: “Colchester Zoo’s keepers have been devastated by the loss of two of their beloved Timber wolves.
“At 7.30am on Tuesday November 26, it was discovered that the perimeter fence to Colchester Zoo’s wolf enclosure had been damaged and five of the six timber wolves had left the enclosure. “
“One of the wolves returned immediately of its own accord and one was darted and recaptured.
“Unfortunately, as they were further away and an anaesthetic dart takes 15 minutes to take effect, two had to be shot.
“The remaining wolf is thought to be sheltering in thick undergrowth and the police are assisting in its recapture.
“Wolves are naturally timid and provided they are not cornered in any way do not provide a risk to the public.”
DRAMA: Police are hunting the animal after it escaped through a fence [Pete Lawson]
