A WOLF has been shot dead after it escaped from Cotswold Wildlife Park.

The wolf, named Ember, managed to get out of her enclosure and the perimeter of the park at about 11am on Friday.

The three-year-old Eurasian wolf was found walking towards the A361 and was shot by a member of staff.

Cotswold Wildlife Park managing director Reggie Heyworth said: "As a precaution, all visitors and other staff were notified immediately.

"Those that were indoors were asked to remain where they were.

"Others were asked to stay vigilant while the relevant team dealt with the situation.

"At no time were members of the public in any danger as the wolf was away from the visitor area throughout."

It is understood the wolf could have climbed over an electric fence, which failed to give her enough of a jolt to deter her.

Earlier this year Ember had her first litter of wolf cubs, the first wolves to be born at the park in its 47-year history.

The five Eurasian Wolf cubs will be without their mother Ember who was born in Sweden and only arrived here in Oxfordshire in October last year.

Mr Heyworth said trained keepers attempted to tranquilise the wolf but she was too far out of range.

He added: "The difficult decision was made to euthanise the animal.

"This was carried out quickly and professionally by a trained member of staff."

In a statement, staff members at the park said had there been any way to save Ember they 'would of course, have taken it'.

They added: "Euthanasia is, and always would be, our last resort.

"However, she had somehow escaped her enclosure and had made her way to an area that was beyond the range of a tranquiliser dart, and potentially within reach of a busy road.

"The safety of our visitors, and the public, has to be our priority and our keepers were put in the unenviable position of making a decision that no animal lover should have to make.

"Our staff have dedicated their lives to caring for animals, and their conservation, and work tirelessly to allow visitors to experience many majestic animals at close quarters.

"We have taken measures to increase our already robust enclosure security checks, to ensure there can be no repeat. We would like to thank all visitors to the park who were with us on Friday for their co-operation.

"We would also like to honour Ember and the pleasure she gave to so many visitors. Her death is felt by all who had the pleasure to know her."

A full investigation is now being carried out at Cotswold Wildlife Park and it has thanked its visitors for cooperating and their understanding.

It is understood this is the first time a category one animal - classed as very dangerous - has escaped its quarters.

Last year a silverback gorilla, named Kumbuka, made headlines for escaping his enclosure for a short time.

Kumbuka made an opportunistic escape from his unlocked den into the staff-only service corridor where a zookeeper was working.

Thanks to the incredibly close bond and relationship shared by azookeeper and Kumbuka, the zookeeper was able to continually reassure Kumbuka, talking to him calmly and in the same light-hearted tone he would always use, as he removed himself from the area.