Wolf pack put down after injuries from infighting

A Kent animal conservation charity has said it had "no choice" but to euthanise its wolf pack.

Wildwood Trust, near Herne Bay, said the "heartbreaking decision" was needed to "prevent further suffering" after three of the five wolves sustained serious injuries from infighting.

The pack's dynamics had broken down, which was risking the animals' quality of life and safety, it said.

The trust, which says its "mission is to protect, conserve and rewild British wildlife", added it had made a range of interventions to try and stabilise the pack.

"Despite these efforts, it became clear there was no safe or humane long-term solution that would allow the wolves to live together," it said.

The trust said wolves are "highly social animals that live within complex family structures" and that "conflict and rejection" can increase when those dynamics collapse.

It said that long-term separation was not a viable solution, as wolves' welfare is closely tied to living within a stable pack structure and isolation can create further welfare concerns.

Moving wolves into other established packs would be irresponsible, as it would almost certainly lead to further conflict, serious injury, or the breakdown of another group, according to the trust.

"Our keepers care hugely about these animals and did everything they could," said Paul Whitfield, the trust's director general.

"Euthanasia is never taken lightly, but in responsible animal care it can sometimes be the most humane option.

"This decision was an absolute last resort."

The trust said it would like to thank visitors and supporters for their understanding.

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