Escaped chimp runs amok in zoo ‘leaving families & kids trapped’ 8 months after CEO bit during feeding
A ROGUE chimp escaped its zoo enclosure and ran amok as visitors fled to hide in cars and even a dolphin exhibit.
The daring bid for freedom in Indianapolis happened just eight months after a chimp bit the zoo’s boss.
The Indianapolis Fire Department was called after 10 am to help stricken visitors hiding from the beast at Indianapolis Zoo, reported Fox News.
In an update, the zoo has now confirmed that the chimp has been “sedated and returned to her exhibit.”
Concerned people had commented on the extraordinary incident on social media.
“I’m on a Field Trip at the Indianapolis Zoo with 37 kids, parents, and teachers.
SUDDEN LOSS
GOP lawmaker & former fire chief who served for 20 years found dead at home
TRAGIC END
Heartbreaking update in hunt for missing mom last seen walking barefoot in vid
“Why is there a Chimpanzee on the loose at the Zoo?” asked a confused bus driver, Sherman Williams, on Facebook.
Williams was at the attraction on a field trip with children.
Visitors were this morning asked to shelter in place while fire crews attended the incident.
Some told the broadcaster they were even asked to stay inside the zoo’s dolphin exhibit.
Others were advised to head to their cars as officials worked to recapture the elusive chimp.
The missing animal was believed to be a “curious and active” chimpanzee named Mara.
Fox reporter Angela Ganote reported that “as of 11:30 am a chimpanzee is still on the loose inside the zoo.
“Guests were asked to shelter in place while fire crews were called out on a reported animal bite.
“They were dispatched to the zoo at 10:10 am.
“Visitors we talked to said they allowed some of the people that were still inside the zoo to go into the welcome center.
“Shortly after we heard some scurrying of the chimpanzees, and they were walking along the boardwalk.”
However, the zoo has since confirmed that, despite earlier reports, no one was injured.
Indianapolis Zoo statement on missing chimp
In an update at about 12:30 pm, the zoo said the rogue chimp has now been recaptured
Its statement said: “At approximately 10 am, a female chimpanzee was seen outside her exhibit.
“Following emergency protocol, the zoo was immediately locked down, and all guests were escorted to secure locations.
“The chimpanzee was sedated and returned to her exhibit.
“Zoo guests were safe at all times.
“There were no injuries to guests, zoo staff or the animal.
“The zoo’s security, animal care and veterinary teams train for these scenarios and responded in a textbook and professional manner.
“The zoo has reopened as normal.”
BOSS BITTEN
In March, Indianapolis Zoo said its CEO had been chomped on by a chimpanzee.
Rob Shumaker was feeding the animal through a mesh barrier, reported Fox-affiliated WDRB.
The chimp bit his finger during a standard feeding and interaction.
He received medical treatment for the injury and has recovered.
The incident was reported to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Shumaker is a primatologist who has spent a lot of his career interacting with chimps.
The zoo has one of the largest chimpanzee habitats in the country.
WELL LOVED
Mara arrived at the zoo in 2023 – and was described by staff as “curious.”
She was a lone chimpanzee living at the zoo in Puerto Rico before being transferred.
When the zoo introduced her two years ago, it said, “Mara is active and curious.
“She immediately started checking out her new surroundings and ate a nice meal of veggies and fruit.
“[This is] a sure sign that she was getting comfortable with our Hoosier Hospitality.
“Everyone at the Indianapolis Zoo is committed to ensuring that Mara has a great life here.
“She will be well loved and cared for and will soon be part of a great community of chimpanzees!”
Do chimpanzees bite people?
According to animal rights group PETA, incidents involving captive primates in the US between 1990 and 2024 have resulted in the deaths of more than 60 captive primates and one person.
There have also been injuries to more than 330 humans, including 110 children.
In 2021, The U.S. Sun shared horrific photos showing shocking injuries following chimp bites.
The primates have brute strength and are estimated to be around four times more powerful than man.
Victims were left with lifelong – and life-changing – injuries, including Charla Nash, who was savagely mauled by her friend’s pet chimp, Travis, in Stamford, Connecticut.
Travis ripped off Charla’s hands before attacking her lips, eyelids, eyes, and nose.
Charla has since undergone numerous surgeries to reconstruct her face through pioneering medical procedures.
In 2021, Buck, a privately-owned chimp, was fatally shot in the head by cops in Pendleton, Oregon.
Buck went rogue, attacking the owner’s adult daughter, injuring her on the torso, arms, and legs.
He then blocked access for paramedics to provide the victim with medical attention.
Source: PETA report
Video footage filmed days after her arrival showed a relaxed Mara “doing great,” said the zoo.
It showed the primate nesting at a height of 10-feet and holding her favorite ball.
Proud zoo staff wrote, “She creates a new bed each night with fresh clean blankets and hay and loves her fruits and veggies.
“Mara came to us from Puerto Rico where she has so many people who love her.
‘TENSE’ SCENE
Golden Bachelor producers told to keep exes Gerry and Theresa apart at finale
BE NICE OR LEAVE
‘Nicest neighborhood in America’ where 1,500 families take kindness pledge
“We love her too! The Indianapolis Zoo was asked to give her a new home and we were more than happy to help.”
State Capitol Police, Indianapolis Metro Police and Indianapolis Fire are still at the scene, according to reports.
More to follow… For the latest news on this story, keep checking back at The U.S. Sun, your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, sports news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures, and must-see videos.
Like us on Facebook at TheSunUS and follow us on X at @TheUSSun
