Greater Vancouver Zoo wolf enclosure was damaged to let animals escape, RCMP say

Police say the wolf enclosure at the Greater Vancouver Zoo was damaged by someone who is suspected to have broken in and allowed the animals to escape. The facility remains closed for a second day.

There were nine adult grey wolves and six cubs at the zoo in Aldergrove, B.C., but it has not confirmed how many got loose or remain unaccounted for as conservation workers and zoo staff continue to search.

B.C.'s Environment Ministry said Tuesday that one wolf remains unaccounted for.

The zoo first announced without explanation that it was closed Tuesday morning via its Instagram and Facebook accounts and remained closed Wednesday.

When it announced the escape in a statement Tuesday afternoon, the zoo said it suspected "malicious intent'' and that a "small number'' of wolves were loose.

It said there was no danger to the public. The zoo has been working with the B.C. Conservation Officer Service to "contain'' the animals.

Langley RCMP are investigating what appears to be a case of unlawful entry and vandalism that involved damage to the wolves' enclosure.

"The RCMP is investigating the break and enter and the mischief to the zoo,'' Cpl. Holly Largy said in an interview Wednesday.

"I can just tell you that there was damage done to the enclosure to allow the wolves to exit. At this point, there's no surveillance, so we don't have any information to indicate how they got in or suspect information.''

The ministry said anyone who sees a wolf should keep their distance and report it by calling 1-877-952-7277.