After information emerged that wolves had escaped from their habitat and killed four kangaroos as well as several birds, the animal protection association Anima Mundi called for the immediate closure of Skopje Zoo and the carrying out of an independent inspection. According to the group, the inspection should include all habitats, enclosures, cages and security systems, while the results should be made public.
The activists are also demanding an independent investigation into the wolves’ escape, the killing of the animals and the determination of responsibility for any failings. At the same time, they are proposing the introduction of a moratorium on breeding and bringing in new animals until conditions that meet the standards are guaranteed. They also reiterated their demand that Skopje Zoo be closed and turned into a rescue and rehabilitation center for animals.
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Anima Mundi also published a video showing the wolves attempting to get out of their habitat through a makeshift section made of mesh, while the metal fence is suspected to have been damaged.
“The enclosure around the wolves’ habitat does not give the impression of a security system suitable for keeping wild animals. On the contrary, it raises serious doubts as to whether even the minimum standards for protection and escape prevention have been ensured at all. The safety of wild animals must not be based on improvisation, must not depend on luck and cannot be justified with silence. The blame does not lie only with the current director, since this situation has been going on for a long time,” Anima Mundi said.
According to unofficial information published in the media, last weekend the white wolves had dug a hole under their habitat and escaped. They then attacked and killed several kangaroos and birds. After they were spotted, employees needed several hours to catch them and return them to the habitat.
So far, Skopje Zoo has not provided any official information about the incident. Questions still remain unanswered about when the escape happened, whether there were visitors at the zoo at the time, where the wolves are currently located and whether the habitat has been secured.
