Members of Absolute Exotics SA have roped in the services of a veterinarian to assist in catching the Canadian timber wolf that escaped from their facility in Benoni Agricultural Holdings on New Year’s Eve.

The one-year-old male wolf escaped from his enclosure after being spooked by fireworks.

Christo Myburgh, of Absolute Exotics SA on January 3 said they had a breakthrough in locating the wolf during last night but could not catch it.

“Due to his fear of human beings, he fled whenever we came close to him. We have been able to put food and water along his route to try and catch him.”

Myburgh said the animal is still roaming a farm in the Benoni Agricultural Holdings area.

Also Read: Search continues for a Canadian Timber wolf on the loose

During a telephonic interview with the Benoni City Times, Myburgh shared the wolf was 10m away from where he was.

“We are monitoring his movements while we wait for a veterinarian from Onderstepoort to assist us in catching him,” said Myburgh.

He reiterated the wolf is not deemed dangerous and is unlikely to pose a threat unless provoked.

Meanwhile, the manager of Benoni SPCA, Jacques Cronje said they were not informed that a wolf was on the loose until on January 2, when they received a message from the Benoni City Times asking for comment.

“We got a call from a member of the public this morning informing us that they sighted the wolf around the N12 near the Putfontein off-ramp. We went there but we didn’t find it,” he explained.

He urged the public not to chase the animal when they see it but to phone the Benoni SPCA emergency number on 073 511 2261 or Absolute Exotics SA on 076 6738540.

Members of Absolute Exotics SA rescued the one-year-old wolf from its previous owner after it suffered neglect and abuse.

Also Read: Avoid the ‘cry wolf’ problem