Tiger escapes from safari park after tornado damages enclosure

Police and zookeepers in Georgia are searching for a tiger that is unaccounted for after a tornado swept through a safari park.

Officials in Troup County, in the west of the US state, said the big cat has been reported missing from Pine Mountain Animal Safari.

A Facebook post from the park said: ‘Hey guys, we were impacted by the tornado last light.

‘We have sustained damage at the park and will not be open today.

‘We are working diligently to keep our team and animals safe and will update with more news as it is available.’

The Troup County Sheriff’s Office posted their own update on the social media site, saying: ‘We have received a report from the Pine Mountain Animal Safari that they are reporting a Tiger that is unaccounted inside the park.’

Several people in Facebook responded to the post from Wild Animal Safari expressing concern for the safety of the tiger.

One woman named Annairda Aeshal said: ‘Please keep us informed on the missing tiger!! I’m really concerned!! I hope the tiger is safe.’

Shellie Deisch McClain wrote: ‘Please don’t let them kill the tigers that escaped!!’

The tornado is still threatening parts of Georgia after wreaking destruction across other southern states.

Earlier today, President Joe Biden approved a major disaster declaration for Mississippi so residents could claim refuge, after 26 people were killed there.

The US National Weather Service issued warnings for several Georgia counties, including Troup County, this morning.

Warnings have also been issued for eastern Louisiana, south-central Mississippi, and south-central Alabama.

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