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A full grown male Hyena escaped from Imo State Zoological Garden and Wildlife Park at the early hours of Monday.
The Hyena described by management of the zoo as a ‘giant Hyena’ was however recaptured by wildlife experts from the zoo barely six hours after the endangered animal escaped from the zoo.
General Manager of the wildlife park Mr. Francis Abioye confirmed the escape
and recapturing of the wild animal to the newsmen on Monday.
Before the recapturing, there was heavy panic within the Nekede autonomous
community in Owerri West LGA, the host community of the zoo.
The GM who led the operation said there was no casualty as the animal was
recaptured by experts through “Physical Restriction Method,”.
He said the operation lasted for six hours before the animal was eventually
captured.
Explaining how the Hyena escaped, Abioye said the animal dug a big hole
underground which made it possible for it to escape from the cage.
He further said after the animal broke out from its den, it fled into the
community through a broken fence in the zoo which he said was allegedly vandalized
by youths of the community in 2019.
“I can confirm to you that a giant Hyena escaped from its cage early this
morning through an underground hole it dug but was latter recaptured by
experts.
“The animal was able to escape the the zoo premises through a vandalized part
of the perimeter fence within the conservative area of the zoo”, he said.
He said the operation was aided by armed
personnel of Civil Defense corps who were attached to the zoo.
Abioye however advised the general public to go
about their normal business without fear or apprehension as the animal has been
returned to containment.
