The operator of Camperdown Wildlife Centre has issued a statement after all five wolves at the Dundee zoo were euthanised.
The pack was put down after displaying “unusually anxious and abnormal behaviour” since alpha male Loki underwent an operation last week.
The deaths have led to an outpouring of grief from members of the public.
Some have also questioned the need to put down four healthy wolves.
One local has even started a petition demanding an “inquiry” into the move.
Decision taken ‘following expert advice’
Leisure and Culture Dundee, which runs Camperdown zoo, said no one was available for interview on Tuesday.
But in a statement, a spokesperson said: “We thank members of the public who have sent messages of support and for their kind consideration during this painful time for our team.
“We can assure everyone that this difficult decision was taken following expert advice and consultation with the relevant professional bodies.”
No further explanation for the move has been given.
However, similar decisions have been taken at other zoos in the past.
In 2006, a pack of wolves was culled at Highland Wildlife Park by operator Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, after the animals stopped displaying normal behaviour.
There were concerns that the wolves could kill each other, because the female did not accept the next male wolf in the pecking order following the death of the original pack leader.
Meanwhile, Leisure and Culture Dundee says no decision has been made about the future of the wolves’ enclosure.
The park remains open for visitors to see other animals including the European brown bears, lemurs and marmosets.
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