South Korea: Two-Year-Old Pere David’s Deer ‘Nugu’ Captured After Nine Days of Search
Image credit, Daejeon City
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A two-year-old Pere David’s deer named Nugu, who captured the nation’s attention after escaping from a South Korean zoo, has been captured following a nine-day search.
Officials from the city of Daejeon, where the zoo is located, confirmed that Nugu was captured near an expressway at 00:44 local time on Friday. Medical examinations revealed that Nugu’s heart rate and body temperature are normal.
Hundreds of rescuers were actively involved in the search for the deer.
Authorities hunting Nugu had several opportunities to capture the deer, but it repeatedly escaped at the last moment when nets were about to close in.
Image credit, YONHAP/EPA/Shutterstock
Officials reported earlier this week that they had nearly captured Nugu. On Monday night, the local fire control office reported sighting the deer about 2 kilometers from the zoo on a mountain.
A video showing Nugu running on a dark road illuminated by car headlights was also shared across social media platforms.
Despite heightened search and rescue efforts based on these reports, Nugu managed to escape once more.
The fugitive deer inspired many internet memes, often describing it as the “uncontainable deer” and a “symbol of freedom.”
Born in 2024, Nugu is part of the “O World” conservation program. Pere David’s deer are endangered in the Korean Peninsula and roam in limited wild areas.
The authorities had also expanded the search into nearby regions. Ultimately, Nugu was found, tranquilized, and safely captured.
Image credit, Daejeon City
Officials noted that Nugu was “moving very quickly” and was closely monitored by surveillance drones.
The authorities released photos taken at the moment of Nugu’s capture.
The deer’s weight remained largely unchanged, and it was observed eating. An endoscopic surgery removed a fishing hook found inside its body.
“Thank you so much to everyone who worked hard to safely return Nugu home,” the city government posted on social media.
Animal rights organizations had expressed concerns regarding possible injuries during the capture process. In 2018, a puma that escaped from the same zoo was killed.
It was also shared on social media that South Korean President Lee Jae-myung publicly prayed for Nugu’s safe return home.
