Staff at the Wildwood Trust in Kent said they were forced to make the heartbreaking decision to euthanise its wolves after three of the animals were seriously injured
A wildlife charity has said it was left “with no choice” but to put its pack of wolves to sleep.
Staff at the Wildwood Trust in Kent said they were “deeply saddened at the difficult decision” they were forced to make after three of the five wolves were seriously injured. The injuries caused the pack’s dynamics to break down, the charity said, with an increasing risk created for the animals’ safety and quality of life.
The Director General of the Wildwood Trust, Paul Whitfield, said it was an incredibly difficult time for everyone at the charity. “Our keepers care hugely about these animals and did everything they could to find a way forward,” he said.
“Wolves are highly social animals that live within complex family structures, and when those dynamics break down, conflict and rejection can increase. In this case, it led to ongoing welfare concerns and an unacceptable risk of serious injury.
“Euthanasia is never taken lightly, but in responsible animal care it can sometimes be the most humane option when welfare can no longer be maintained.
“This decision was an absolute last resort, with the animals’ welfare as our priority. It’s incredibly difficult, but it was ultimately the right thing to do to prevent further suffering.”
Wildwood Trust, which operates a woodland discovery park in Herne, near Canterbury, brought in experienced keepers and vets to try and stabilise the group, but it was clear they were no longer able to live together.
Experienced keepers and veterinary professionals monitored the situation and made regular assessments of the wolves – but they found that the animals’ quality of life significantly deteriorated and could not be improved to an acceptable level.
The sad decision was made to put the wolves to sleep, an act that was deemed to be in their best interests. A spokesperson added: “The Trust would like to thank visitors and supporters for their understanding at what is a very difficult time.”
Wildwood Trust woodland discovery park features many species of native and historically native British animals. It is set on 40 acres of woodland in Kent with animals kept in spacious, natural enclosures.
Animals include bears, wolves, bison, elk, badgers, arctic foxes, wild boar, deer, lynx, wildcat, owls, storks, and snakes, according to the Wildwood Trust website.
