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  "path": "/news/kent-wildlife-park-euthanises-wolves-no-choice",
  "publishedAt": "2026-03-26T06:55:27.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
  "tags": [
    "Britons urged to ‘check your ponds’ for capybara on the loose after zoo escape",
    "Crossbreed dogs are more badly-behaved than pure-breeds, new study reveals",
    "Species long declared extinct in Britain makes remarkable comeback",
    "The GB News Editorial Charter"
  ],
  "textContent": "\n\n\nA British wildlife park has come under fire for euthanising an entire pack of wolves, claiming it had \"no choice\" but to put the canines to sleep.\n\nWildwood in Herne Common, Kent has claimed the drastic action was taken because of a “rapid breakdown in pack dynamics”.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nIt has insisted the decision was not taken lightly and was an \"absolute last resort\".\n\nThe wildlife park had recently shut the enclosure - which boasted five European grey wolves - after violence broke out among the pack.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTRENDING\n\nStories\n\nVideos\n\nYour Say\n\nA number of incidents inside the pen had left some of the creatures severely injured.\n\nWildwood executives said thery were \"deeply saddened\" by the death of the apex predators.\n\nThey said: “Due to volatility within the pack, our team has been unable to safely intervene of provide the level of veterinary care required.\"\n\nThe announcement of the group euthanasia prompted an outpouring of grief and fury on social media.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nOne user wrote: “Another reason not to keep wild animals in captivity instead of their natural habitat.\"\n\nWhile another fumed the move was an \"unnecessary\" step.\n\nThe pack consisted of Nuna and Odin and their litter of three males, Minimus, Tiberius and Maximus.\n\nA top team of experienced vets and keepers were brought to the zoo prior to ease tensions within the pack, but problems persisted.\n\n### ANIMALS - READ THE LATEST:\n\n\n\n\n  * Britons urged to ‘check your ponds’ for capybara on the loose after zoo escape\n  * Crossbreed dogs are more badly-behaved than pure-breeds, new study reveals\n  * Species long declared extinct in Britain makes remarkable comeback\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nPaul Whitfield, the director general of the Wildwood Trust, described the situation as tough for everyone connected to the park.\n\nHe said: “Our keepers care hugely about these animals and did everything they could to find a way forward.\"\n\n\"Wolves are highly social animals that live within complex family structures, and when those dynamics break down, conflict and rejection can increase.\n\n\"In this case, it led to ongoing welfare concerns and an unacceptable risk of serious injury.”\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nA spokesman for the trust said it \"would like to thank visitors and supporters for their understanding at what is a very difficult time\".\n\nIn recent years, the European grey wolf has staged a stunning comeback across the continent.\n\nAn estimated 20,300 individuals are believed to be present across 23 European nations.\n\nThe species were once native to Britain and lived in large numbers across the country.\n\nBut they were driven to extinction in England during the 15th century, with the last remaining canines wiped out in Scotland between 1680 and 1700.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n**Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**",
  "title": "British wildlife park euthanises entire pack of wolves then claims: 'We had no choice!'"
}