Wolf Recaptured After Five-Hour Escape Chaos at Tokyo Tama Zoo 2025

A real-life thriller unfolded in western Tokyo this Sunday. On December 28, 2025, the popular Tama Zoological Park was forced into a total lockdown after a wolf managed to slip out of its enclosure, sending visitors scrambling for safety.

The Tokyo Tama Zoo Wolf Escape Timeline

According to zoo officials, a staff member spotted the European wolf wandering on a public pathway shortly after the park opened at 9:30 a.m. The sighting triggered an immediate emergency protocol, with visitors instructed to take cover inside zoo buildings and secure zones.

The fugitive predator was eventually located in a bushy area within the park grounds. After nearly five hours of tension, handlers successfully recaptured the animal at approximately 2:20 p.m. No injuries were reported, though the zoo remained closed for the rest of the day to ensure public safety.

Safety Protocols and Institutional History

Tama Zoological Park, located in Hino, has been a staple of Tokyo's cultural landscape since 1958. Housing over 260 species, the facility is known for its spacious enclosures. This incident has raised questions about how such a high-profile animal could bypass security measures, prompting a full internal investigation by the operator.