Snow Leopard shot dead after it escaped zoo enclosure through a cage door left ajar by keeper
A snow leopard that managed to escape from its enclosure at Dudley Zoo has been shot and killed. The eight-year-old animal, named Margaash, allegedly escaped from the compound after the cage door was left open by a keeper, zoo officials confirmed. Details from the incident were released today following the conclusion of a disciplinary investigation, although the escape took place on October 23 at around 5 pm when all the visitors had left the site.
Speaking to Birmingham Live, a zoo spokesman said: "Unfortunately, having no other option in the interest of public safety, the animal was euthanized by a senior member of the firearms team with a single shot and did not suffer. Once keepers saw snow leopard Margaash outside, the animal escape procedure was implemented and managers were notified, while the firearms team managed the incident."