June 1, 2018

Tigers, lions and jaguar escape flooded zoo, prompting warnings before they are found

Harald Tittel/picture-alliance/dpa/AP, FILE
In this file photo animals are seen in an enclosure at Eifel zoo in Luenebach, Germany, June 28, 2016.

Two tigers, two lions, a jaguar and a bear escaped their enclosures at a German zoo Friday morning, leading authorities there to put residents of the city on alert in case any of the animals left the park.

Oliver Berg/dpa via AP
The Eifel zoo in Luenebach, western Germany flooded, June 1, 2018.

The Eifel Zoo in Lünebach, Germany, was heavily flooded after a storm that also damaged fences, allowing the animals to leave their enclosures, authorities said. Area residents were advised to stay in their houses, close their doors and windows and keep an eye out for the missing animals.

Oliver Berg/dpa via AP
The Eifel zoo in Luenebach, western Germany flooded, June 1, 2018.

The bear was later shot and killed, according to officials. A spokesperson for the city said it was not immediately known if the bear was shot by police or someone else. The five big cats were found within the confines of the park and were recaptured in the afternoon.

Harald Tittel/picture-alliance/dpa/AP, FILE
In this file photo animals are seen in an enclosure at Eifel zoo in Luenebach, Germany, June 28, 2016.

The zoo, which has more than 70,000 acres, is privately owned and is home to both native and exotic animals.