British Zoo Doses Wolves to Death as They Attack Each Other

JAKARTA - A wildlife park in southeast England has euthanized (injected to death) a pack of wolves that were there, after the dynamics of the group deteriorated which led to increased conflict.

The pack of five wolves was euthanized after three of them suffered life-threatening injuries amid escalating violence, the Wildwood Trust said in a statement shared with CNN late last month.

After further interventions failed to stop the fighting, and after discussions between experienced animal keepers and animal specialists, the park outside the city of Canterbury decided to kill the wolves - named Odin, Nuna, Minimus, Tiberius and Maximus - to prevent further suffering.

"Our rangers care so much about these animals and are doing everything they can to find a way out," Wildwood Trust's director general, Paul Whitfield, said in a statement, reported by CNN on April 5.

"Wolves are highly social animals that live in complex family structures, and when these dynamics are disrupted, conflict and rejection can increase. In this case, it led to ongoing welfare concerns and an unacceptable risk of serious injury," he continued.

"Euthanasia is never taken lightly, but in responsible animal care, sometimes it can be the most humane option when well-being can no longer be maintained," Whitfield said.

"This decision is a last resort, with animal welfare as our priority," he said.

"It's very difficult, but in the end it's the right thing to do to prevent further suffering," Whitfield said.

Because wolves live in close bonds with their packs, keeping them in isolation or separated for long periods would raise more welfare concerns, according to the park.

"Placing the wolf in another herd is also not an option, because it can cause more conflict and injuries, or damage to other herds," he said.

In an Instagram post late last month, the team at the foundation said they were closing the reserve while the animals were euthanized and all staff were "heartbroken," adding: "Many of our staff have cared for these wolves over a long period of time, and this loss will be deeply felt."

"We recognize this news is deeply distressing, and we understand why many people are feeling sad," the foundation told CNN in a further statement.

"This decision was made very carefully and only after extensive consultation with leading wolf specialists from across Europe, experienced veterinary professionals, and an independent ethical review," he added.

Euthanasia is performed on groups of animals for various reasons.

Last year, Australian wildlife officers euthanized 90 whales stranded on a remote beach in Tasmania, after choppy seas made it impossible to refloat them.

Meanwhile, in July, a zoo in Germany euthanized 12 baboons, despite protests, because it did not have enough space to house them and could not find alternative housing for them.