TIL in 2017 Perth Zoo was put on lockdown when two orangutans briefly escaped their enclosure. A 5-year-old male orangutan fell over a barrier & into a garden bed outside the enclosure. His mom then simply went to retreive him before using the visitor boardwalk to go back to her exhibit voluntarily.

TL;DR

In 2017, Perth Zoo was placed on a short lockdown after two orangutans escaped their enclosure. The incident lasted about 15 minutes and both animals were checked and found to be in good health. An investigation is ongoing.

Perth Zoo was placed in a brief lockdown in 2017 after two orangutans escaped from their enclosure, prompting immediate safety measures and an investigation.

On a Sunday in 2017, two orangutans at Perth Zoo escaped their enclosure, causing alarm among visitors and staff. The incident was triggered when a five-year-old male orangutan fell over a barrier and into a garden bed outside his enclosure. According to the zoo, his mother entered the area to retrieve him before moving back into her exhibit voluntarily. The zoo responded by removing visitors from surrounding areas as part of standard safety protocols.

The zoo reported that the lockdown lasted approximately 15 minutes before the situation was contained. Both orangutans were subsequently checked by zoo veterinarians and found to be in good health. The zoo spokeswoman confirmed that both animals are calm and have not sustained injuries. This was the second escape from the orangutan enclosure within two years, prompting a full investigation into the incident.

Why It Matters

This incident highlights ongoing concerns about enclosure safety and animal containment at Perth Zoo. It also underscores the importance of rapid response protocols in safeguarding visitors and animals. The event’s recurrence raises questions about enclosure security measures and the zoo’s ongoing efforts to prevent future escapes, which are relevant to both public safety and animal welfare.

3 Panels Safety Barricade,5.8FT Foldable Security Barrier Gate with Heavy Duty PVC Frame,High Visibility Black Color,Crowd Control Restricted Area Pedestrian Barricade Traffic Fence

3 Panels Safety Barricade,5.8FT Foldable Security Barrier Gate with Heavy Duty PVC Frame,High Visibility Black Color,Crowd Control Restricted Area Pedestrian Barricade Traffic Fence

【𝟱.𝟴𝗙𝗧 𝗶𝗻 𝗟𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝟯.𝟮𝗙𝗧 𝗶𝗻 𝗛𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁】Our safety barricade comes with 3 removable panels, each panel is 23…

As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.

As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.

Background

In 2015, Perth Zoo experienced a similar orangutan escape, raising awareness of potential enclosure vulnerabilities. The 2017 incident occurred two years later, amid ongoing reviews of zoo safety procedures. The zoo has historically been a major attraction in Perth, with a focus on conservation and education. Incidents like this prompt reviews of enclosure design and safety protocols to prevent recurrence.

“The incident was over in about 15 minutes. Both animals are calm and in good health.”

— Zoo spokeswoman

“Both animals are calm and in good health.”

— Zoo spokeswoman

REPTI ZOO Large Reptile Paludarium Tank, Vertical Reptile Terrarium Wide & Tall Amphibian Tank with Top Screen Ventilation (36" W X 18" D X 36" H (Paludarium))

REPTI ZOO Large Reptile Paludarium Tank, Vertical Reptile Terrarium Wide & Tall Amphibian Tank with Top Screen Ventilation (36" W X 18" D X 36" H (Paludarium))

【PALUDARIUM TANK 96 GALLON】This vertical paludarium tank helps you build a natural tropical environment for amphibian pets. 36”(W)…

As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.

As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.

What Remains Unclear

Details remain unclear about the specific weaknesses in the enclosure that allowed the orangutans to escape and whether any structural changes are planned. It is also not confirmed if the incident prompted immediate upgrades or reviews of containment measures.

10 Panels Garden Fence Dog Fence Outdoor for Yard, 32in H x 23.6ft L Rustproof Metal Fencing with Ground Stakes | No Dig Animal Proof Containment for Pets/Rabbits | Durable Patio Security Panels

10 Panels Garden Fence Dog Fence Outdoor for Yard, 32in H x 23.6ft L Rustproof Metal Fencing with Ground Stakes | No Dig Animal Proof Containment for Pets/Rabbits | Durable Patio Security Panels

Rustproof and Durable) This dog fence for outdoor yard use is made from high-quality wire with an anti-rust…

As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.

As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.

What’s Next

The zoo is conducting a full investigation into the escape, including reviewing enclosure security. Further updates on safety improvements and policy changes are expected as the investigation concludes.

Zoo Med ZML Tool TERRM PALUDARIUM 3PC

Zoo Med ZML Tool TERRM PALUDARIUM 3PC

Shovel – Great for planting and scooping in hard-to-reach areas

As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.

As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.

Key Questions

How did the orangutans escape?

The escape was triggered when a five-year-old male orangutan fell over a barrier and into an external garden bed. His mother then entered the area to retrieve him before returning to her enclosure.

Were the orangutans harmed during the escape?

No. Both animals were checked by zoo veterinarians and found to be in good health, with no injuries reported.

How long did the lockdown last?

The zoo reported that the lockdown lasted approximately 15 minutes before the situation was contained.

Has the zoo made safety changes since the incident?

The zoo has initiated an investigation and is reviewing enclosure security measures, but specific changes have not yet been publicly confirmed.

Is this the first time orangutans escaped at Perth Zoo?

No, this was the second escape from the orangutan enclosure in two years, prompting concerns about enclosure security.

Source: reddit

You May Also Like

In 1986 an astronomer trying to trace a 75 cent computer time discrepancy for 10 months eventually found a German hacker selling defense secrets to the KGB

In 1986, an astronomer investigating a computer time error uncovered a German hacker selling defense secrets to the KGB, revealing espionage activity.

Apple Wants Blacklisted Chinese RAM — and That Tells You How Bad the Squeeze Got

Apple is reportedly lobbying Washington for clearance to buy DRAM from CXMT as memory prices surge and security concerns mount.

A Turkish man unhooked 100 bras single-handedly in one minute and now holds a Guinness World Record.

A Turkish man has broken a Guinness World Record by unhooking 100 bras single-handedly in one minute, highlighting a unique achievement.

Why urban Democrats love socialists now

Democratic socialists have achieved significant wins in major US cities, reflecting a shift in urban Democratic support. This analysis explores why and what it means.