ANIMAL lovers who adopted wolves at Colchester Zoo are waiting to learn the fate of their animals.

The 44th Colchester Cub Scouts are among the groups and individuals who have adopted one of six wolves.

Three were shot dead after escaping on Tuesday.

Members of the 44th Colchester Cub Scouts raised £125 to adopt a timber wolf called Two Socks on November 1.

Cub leader Alan Forster called the zoo after hearing about the incident, but was told they could not release details of which animals had been killed.

He was told letters will be sent in the next few days to all the people who have adopted wolves.

He said: “The cubs worked hard to raise the money.

They have put so much work in.

“We only got the certificate a few weeks ago.

“These things happen. We might be lucky and our one is OK.”

The youngsters raised money to adopt the wolf by doing extra chores at home during the summer holidays and baking cakes to sell to family and friends.

Mr Forster has not had a chance to speak with the cubs about the situation yet, but will do so at their next meeting on Monday.

The children did not have a chance to visit the zoo to see their animal before Tuesday’s incident, but they have a plaque up at the enclosure.

According to the zoo’s website, 17 families, groups or individuals have adopted members of the wolf pack in the last year.

The 1st Halstead Cub group has also adopted one of the wolves.

The names of five of the six wolves are Tip Toes, Two Socks, Kenai, Dakota and Akila.

There are four adoption packages available, ranging between £49.99 and £500.

Proceeds go towards the upkeep of the zoo.