Riddle of the wolf that went for a wander in Berkshire
IT sounds like a rather far-fetched bedtime story – a wolf with a penchant for ice lollies goes missing in deepest darkest Berkshire.
But the disappearance of 12-yearold Torak yesterday was very real... and a little more stressful than a storybook adventure, as it sparked a massive police hunt.
The animal roamed for eight miles across the county, tracked by guntoting officers and helicopters, and there were warnings that he would have to be shot if he strayed too close to the M4 motorway.
Primary schools were put on alert and a ‘mauled’ deer was being studied to see if it had been attacked.
Thankfully, there was a happy ending for the fugitive, as he was skilfully recaptured in woodland by Theresa Palmer, head of the UK Wolf Conservation Trust in Beenham.
But there might yet be a further twist to the tale – as a villain may be behind Torak’s escape.
Mrs Palmer, 62, claimed an animal rights activist was responsible, saying: ‘When I got to the front of the enclosure I found that the gate was open.
‘ I think somebody deliberately opened the gate. A lot of people don’t particularly believe in having animals in captivity.’
A neighbour, who did not want to be named, added: ‘If it was an idiot trying to “free” the wolves, they are lucky it did not lead to a major incident.’
Mrs Palmer said the Alaskan timber wolf had been terrified by his ordeal.
After Torak was reported missing from the sanctuary yesterday morning, for the next five hours he was tracked as he made his way across the county. Hot on his trail were Mrs Palmer and her colleagues, ten officers from Thames Valley Police, two force helicopters and a Sky News helicopter.
She said: ‘I was concerned for the wolf, but because Torak is a hand-raised, socialised wolf, I was hopeful that we could catch him.
‘Eventually, after eight miles, myself and [colleague] Linda got to about ten feet from him again, and he just thought “That’s it. I’m ready to be caught”. I quite quickly caught him. I saw him go through a field of sheep and he didn’t touch any of them.
‘He’s pretty frightened I have to say. He’s never been out like that before.’
Last night Torak – whose favourite foods are deer, meaty ice lollies and bananas – was back in his enclosure, recovering from his exciting exploits.