OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – An escaped rhinoceros prompted visitors at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium to shelter-in-place Tuesday afternoon.
According to a release from the zoo, Jontu the Indian rhino was found in front of the rhino enclosure, on behind-the-scenes path behind the aviary around 1 p.m.
No member of the public was in danger at any point, according to Dan Cassidy, vice president of animal management at the zoo.
Cassidy said zookeepers and officials used motor vehicles — including the zoo’s tram — to barricade the rhino from wandering further from the Asian Highlands rhino exhibit and to corral him. Staff members used apples and other tactics to “entice” the animal back into its proper enclosure.
“He was out for about 50 minutes, but he went back in,” Cassidy said. “Nobody got hurt, and no animals got hurt, so everything went well.”
Normal business operations have resumed after Jontu, our adult male Indian rhino, was out of his enclosure in a behind-the-scenes area at about 1 p.m. today. Full statement: https://t.co/g6i5Apj7GB pic.twitter.com/khJL36JiyL
— Omaha’s Zoo (@OmahaZoo) September 7, 2021
Upon learning of the animal’s escape, zoo officials enacted emergency protocols and “guests, students, and staff were immediately taken to a secure location.”
All entry points to the zoo were also closed at that time.
Zookeepers reported no signs of aggression and were on sight with tranquilizers had the rhino escaped beyond the vehicle barricade. It is reported that a gate was not properly locked and zoo officials were unaware of this being an issue prior to the rhino’s escape.
