Paignton Zoo: ‘Code red’ as animal escapes at popular UK attraction as visitors put into lockdown
VISITORS to a zoo were put into lockdown – due to an escaped monkey.
Dozens were isolated indoors at Paignton Zoo, Devon, after the mammal managed to escape from its cage.
A major hunt was launched under a “code red” earlier today to find the runaway primate, who was eventually isolated amongst the rhinos.
Members of the public were then released and able to roam other areas freely as the rhino area was sealed off – and a rescue effort was launched.
The escapee was eventually returned to its enclosure and the zoo fully re-opened.
One visitor said: “I am currently at Paignton Zoo and they have announced a code red.
“Staff are saying a large animal has escaped – which they’ve confirmed was a monkey that has escaped.
“All guests have had to be locked into indoor areas. They have isolated it into the rhino area and so we are allowed out of buildings now but not allowed near the rhino area.”
Another visit caught up in the escape said: “At Paignton Zoo and we’ve all been turfed into the restaurant because an animal has escaped.
“It’s a monkey.”
The zoo is home to around 2,000 animals representing nearly 300 species, and is known for its effective conservation and breeding programmes.
Paignton Zoo said in a statement: “Earlier today, staff at Paignton Zoo had to attend to an incident involving an escaped monkey.
“As a precautionary measure, zoo visitors were evacuated from the area in accordance with our well-rehearsed escaped animal procedure and the animal was re-captured without incident shortly after the alert was raised.
“We are currently investigating how this incident occurred and would like to thank everyone who was at the zoo this morning for their patience and co-operation.”
Earlier this month, locals living near the zoo said they face their streets being gridlocked.