A chimpanzee’s escape from its enclosure created a stir at the Indianapolis Zoo on Friday morning before she was safely returned to her habitat. The zoo reported that the female chimpanzee was seen outside her exhibit around 10 a.m., prompting immediate action to ensure the safety of visitors.
In accordance with emergency protocol, the Indianapolis Zoo initiated a lockdown, directing guests to secure areas, including the dolphin exhibit. The chimpanzee was subsequently sedated and returned to her enclosure without injuries to visitors, staff, or the animal itself.
The zoo’s response was praised for being professional and efficient, with a statement emphasizing that their security, animal care, and veterinary teams are trained for such incidents. The zoo has now reopened to the public.
Witnesses described the moment of the escape, including Sherman Williams, a bus driver who was at the zoo on a field trip with several children. He expressed his concern on social media, questioning the situation as he watched the chimpanzee on the loose.
The zoo reported housing 21 chimpanzees as of May 2024, reflecting ongoing efforts in animal care and educational outreach.
Indianapolis Metro Police, State Capitol Police, and the city’s fire department were all present during the incident, reinforcing the cooperative response to ensure safety for all involved. Ultimately, thanks to the quick actions of the zoo’s personnel and law enforcement, a potentially concerning situation was resolved smoothly.