Executive Summary
- A chimpanzee escaped its primary enclosure at the Indianapolis Zoo, prompting a temporary lockdown and shelter-in-place order for visitors.
- The animal remained contained within the zoo’s perimeter and was reportedly located on top of its own habitat structure.
- First responders were dispatched, but initial reports of an animal bite have not been confirmed by officials.
INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Zoo initiated a temporary lockdown on Friday, instructing visitors to shelter in place after a chimpanzee managed to escape its primary enclosure. Officials confirmed the animal did not breach the zoo’s perimeter and was contained on zoo grounds throughout the incident.
First responders were initially called to the zoo following a report of a possible animal bite. However, local media outlets later reported that the nature of the call was changed to an investigation, and it remained unclear if any injuries had occurred. During the lockdown, zoo guests were directed to secure indoor locations, such as the dolphin exhibit building, or to return to their vehicles.
According to reports, the chimpanzee was sighted on top of the chimpanzee enclosure structure but had not left the immediate area. The zoo is home to the International Chimpanzee Complex, a specialized habitat that houses nearly 20 of the primates.
The situation prompted a swift response from zoo staff to ensure the safety of all visitors and contain the animal. The incident is currently under investigation by zoo officials to determine the circumstances of the escape.