A London Zoo silverback gorilla briefly escaped his enclosure Thursday but did not make it to any public areas, officials said.
Metropolitan Police received a call just after 5 p.m. asking for assistance, police told CNN. Kumbuka, 18, was contained to the exhibit’s off-show area used by zookeepers.
The western lowland gorilla was subdued by a tranquilizer dart and returned to his den. “We can confirm he is awake and well,” the zoo said in a statement.
Footage posted on social media showed armed officers walking the grounds.
Other members of the public reported huddling inside zoo buildings for protection. Officials said they were not certain how Kumbuka — who has been at the facility since early 2013 — made his escape.
“The exhibit is secure and we are grateful to all of our staff and visitors for their cooperation, enabling us to resolve the situation quickly and efficiently,” the London Zoo said.
An investigation will be conducted. While Kumbuka’s precise motives probably will never be known, the zoo has said the ape has been seen flirting with female gorillas.
