Bear Escapes Enclosure at Saint Louis Zoo
Incident Date:
02/08/2023
Location:
Saint Louis, MO - USA
Facility Name:
Saint Louis Zoo
Facility Type:
Accredited AZA Facility (AZA)
Incident Category:
Escape of animal (EA)
Species:
Bears
Animal:
Andean Bear
Animal disposition:
Recaptured
Summary:
An Andean bear named Ben escaped his enclosure at the Saint Louis Zoo this week. According to Billy Brennan, a zoo spokesman, the incident occurred outside operating hours and was resolved before the zoo opened to the public.
Ben escaped by manipulating the steel mash surrounding his outdoor habitat, which caused a cable to give way and allowed him to make his way out.
Luckily, zoo staff were able to tranquilize Ben and safely return him to his enclosure before more permanent and lethal alternative methods were used to protect the public safety of the zoo staff and surrounding community. During dangerous wild animal incidents, this is rarely the outcome.
Action take by Born Free USA:
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