People all over the world value and appreciate animals found in nature. As habitats continue to be changed and destroyed, zoos become safe places to learn about and save wildlife. One zoo had an unfortunate scare with some animals. CNN is reporting that an ape escaped its enclosure at the London Zoo. This news has many people looking into safety practices of the zoo and other establishments like it.
The news emerged on Thursday. CNN reports that the Metropolitan police received word of the escape just a few minutes after 5:00pm. Fortunately, the animal did not harm anyone and was not able to make it into any public areas and harm itself. However, some members of the public are reporting that they had to huddle in buildings for protection. As of right now, an investigation into how the animal was able to escape and what motivated him to do so is underway. As of right now, he is being contained in the zoos off show area.
CNN news also reports that the silver back gorilla that escaped was named Kumbuka. He is 18 years old. Officials are also reporting that the animal has been living in the enclosure since 2013, and has had no similar issues prior to this incident.
CNN also reports that representatives from the zoo have released the following statements regarding the incident:
“The exhibit is secure and we are grateful to all of our staff and visitors for their cooperation, enabling us to resolve the situation quickly and efficiently.”
This incident was one of some that are very similar that have been worrying people all over the world about the safety of zoos all over the country. Kumbuka’s escape should serve as an example to other zoos as to the safety of their enclosures and how they are monitoring the welfare of the animals being kept in captivity.
