The Indianapolis Zoo has resumed normal operations following a brief incident involving a female chimpanzee that escaped from her exhibit. The event occurred on Friday morning when the animal was spotted outside its designated area around 10 a.m. In response, zoo officials quickly enacted emergency protocols, locking down the facility and escorting all guests to secure locations for their safety.
The Indianapolis Fire Department was alerted to the situation shortly after reports of the loose chimpanzee came in at 10:10 a.m. Firefighters were placed on standby as a precaution during the incident. Thankfully, there were no injuries reported among guests, staff, or the chimpanzee itself.
A spokesperson for Wayne Township revealed that two field trips for second-grade and seventh-eighth grade students were scheduled for Friday. However, the students remained on their buses upon being informed of the situation.
Zoo officials praised their security, animal care, and veterinary teams for their effective handling of the incident, noting that they are well-trained for such scenarios. The zoo has since reopened without any incidents, allowing families and visitors to enjoy their day at the facility once more.
This occurrence underscores the importance of swift action and preparedness in ensuring the safety of both animals and guests in such unexpected situations.