A pack of wolves has been euthanised at a wildlife centre following the death of their leader.
Camperdown Wildlife Centre in Dundee said the alpha male wolf Loki had to be put down after developing complications following an operation.
It said four other wolves began to exhibit “unusually anxious and abnormal behaviour” after Loki’s procedure.
A decision was then made to euthanise those wolves too.
In a statement on Monday, a spokesperson said the team was “absolutely heartbroken” and the action was taken as a “last resort”.
They said: “We are devastated to announce that our alpha male wolf, Loki, has been humanely euthanised today.
“Despite an initially successful operation, there have been subsequent complications, and the difficult decision was reached to save the animal from further pain.
“The other four wolves in the pack have been exhibiting unusually anxious and abnormal behaviour since the operation, and it is with great sadness that these wolves have also been euthanised as a result.
“This course of action was a last resort, and our team is absolutely heartbroken. We ask you for your kind consideration at this time.”
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The visitor attraction closed for a day last week while Loki recovered from his operation.
Back in 2018, it also closed its doors to give a troop of endangered lion-tailed macaques time to mourn the death of one of its youngest members.
On Wednesday, the centre will be closed throughout the day to members of the public so that staff can “process recent events”.
A spokesperson said: “Camperdown Wildlife Centre will be closed to the public today to allow our colleagues to process recent events.
“We thank you for your patience and understanding.”