Five lions were located outside their enclosure at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo, sparking a temporary lockdown and drawing police to the zoo at Mosman.
The lions are now back in their exhibit and there are no injuries to guests or staff.
The lions did not leave zoo grounds.
NSW Police confirmed to 9News.com.au that several officers were on site after hearing the zoo’s duress alarm, which was also heard by local residents.
9News reporter Ruth Wynn-Williams also overheard the alarm, which directed zoo staff to find a safe haven within the site as officials worked to secure the animals.
In a statement Taronga Zoo said the situation is now under control and the zoo will open as normal.
“An emergency situation occurred this morning at Taronga Zoo Sydney when five lions were located outside their enclosure,” the statement reads.
“The Zoo has strict safety protocols in place for such an incident. All persons on site were moved to safe zones and there are no injuries to guests or staff.
“All animals are now in their exhibit where they are being closely monitored.
“The Zoo will be open as normal today. Further details will be provided when possible.”
The full Taronga Zoo lion pride includes two adult animals Maya and Ato and their five cubs Khari, Luzuko, Malika, Zuri and Ayanna.
Taronga Zoo’s full statement
An emergency situation occurred this morning at Taronga Zoo Sydney when five lions were located outside their enclosure.
The Zoo has strict safety protocols in place for such an incident.
All persons on site were moved to safe zones and there are no injuries to guests or staff.
All animals are now in their exhibit where they are being closely monitored.
The Zoo will be open as normal today. Further details will be provided when possible.
There’s an animal lurking in this picture. Can you spot it?