TORONTO, ON, Wednesday, July 8, 2020: Today at 1326 hrs a 10-98 (animal escape) for a cheetah was called in to our Safety and Security Control Operation by our Wildlife Care staff.

One male cheetah, Bakari, age 7, located in the Zoo’s outdoor holding facility, an area not accessible to public, was seen outside of their habitat, but still within a contained perimeter fenced area.

Thanks to swift reactions from Zoo staff, the cheetah was contained to that immediate fenced area and was safely located back inside the cheetah habitat. It is important to note this is an area not accessible to our guests.

Everyone involved responded calmly, and quickly with the animal being sedated by 1351 hrs, resulting in the most positive outcome with everyone safe.

The Zoo runs emergency drills throughout the year to prepare all staff for how to respond to multiple scenarios.

During this situation, out of an abundance of caution, Zoo guests were immediately contained in indoor areas where possible, or ushered quickly into areas to keep them safe. The Zoo resumed normal operations at approximately 1357 hrs.

The Zoo takes these matters very seriously and a full investigation will be conducted to determine the cause and how to continue to ensure highest levels of safety and security measures are being met.

Bakari has now been successfully returned to his habitat after being examined by the Wildlife Veterinary team and is doing well, and the Wildlife Health Care staff took advantage of this opportunity to conduct a full physical check-up of him.