INDIANAPOLIS — Visitors at the Indianapolis Zoo were instructed to shelter in place after an animal apparently escaped.
WXIN reported that first responders were initially dispatched to the zoo for a reported animal bite.
But the Indy Star reported that it was unclear as of late Friday morning if anyone had been bitten and the call was changed to an investigation.
The zoo posted to Facebook Friday afternoon that a female chimpanzee was outside of her exhibit.
“Following emergency protocol, the Zoo was immediately locked down, and all guests were escorted to secure locations.”
Zoo guests were told to stay inside the dolphin exhibit and other exhibit buildings, while others were told to go to their cars as the zoo was on lockdown, the newspaper and WTHR reported.
WXIN reported that the chimp was seen on top of the chimpanzee enclosure and was not able to escape the zoo.
Zoo officials said, “The chimpanzee was sedated and returned to her exhibit. Zoo guests were safe at all times.” It has reopened under normal operations.
The zoo is home to the International Chimpanzee Complex which was described as “a bustling habitat for learning, play and exploration” and is home to almost 20 primates.
“The vast majority of the Chimpanzee Trail is visible to visitors, stretching directly over and alongside public walkways for a one-of-a-kind viewing experience,” the zoo said.
Check back for more on this developing story.
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