An entire pack of wolves has been put down at a Scottish wildlife park after their alpha died.
Despite an initially successful operation, Loki started suffering from "complications" which led to the alpha male being euthanised on Monday to "save him from further pain".
Camperdown Wildlife Centre in Dundee said that, following the surgery, the rest of the pack started displaying "unusually anxious and abnormal behaviour".
As a result, the four other wolves were euthanised on the same day as Loki.
The wildlife park said it took the action "as a last resort", adding that carers have been left "absolutely heartbroken".
A spokesperson said yesterday: "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."
Loki's operation took place a week ago, on March 21.
Last Thursday, the park said it would remain closed "until the wolves resume their regular behaviour".
It wrote in a Facebook post: "As a result of an operation on our alpha male wolf on Tuesday, the wolf pack at the wildlife centre has become unusually anxious and requires some extra time to settle back into their normal routine.
"Therefore, the wildlife centre will remain closed until they resume their regular behaviour.
"The wolves are in the care of our experienced keepers to ensure their wellbeing and we will provide reopening information in due course via our website and social media."
It is not clear exactly how many hours passed between Loki's death and that of the other four wolves, leading to concerns being raised on social media.
One person wrote: “How long was the adjustment period given grace? There are societies that could work with these animals.
"I think not giving a more in depth explanation is unfair, and does not allow people the chance to understand what seems on the surface to be a drastic and unnecessary action."
Another commented: "My heart breaks reading this. Not sure what would lead to the other four wolves being euthanized, especially in such a short period.
"Surely they weren't given enough time to even come to terms with losing one of the pack? Behavioural changes must have been expected, its natural."
A third wrote: "This is so sad. Maybe the other wolves needed more time to adjust and grieve. I don’t understand this at all."
But others defended the park's decision, with one person saying: "Without the alpha, the pack could have been extremely anxious, fights and all sorts. I know you’d only do what was best."
Another added: "Very sad to hear this, I’m sure this decision was not taken lightly and in the best interests of the wolf pack."
A third comment said: "I am so sorry about this but am completely confident that the team did all it could. They love these animals and will be heartbroken."
The Mirror has contacted Camperdown Wildlife Centre for further comment.
