Investigation opened into zoo worker incident

Belfast City Council has initiated an investigation following a concerning incident at the local zoo, where a worker was allegedly locked inside a lion enclosure. The event occurred last week when two employees entered the enclosure while the lions were in their den. In a troubling turn of events, one of the workers, reportedly the more experienced individual, exited the enclosure and inadvertently locked it, leaving their colleague trapped with the lions. Details surrounding the duration of the worker's entrapment remain unclear, raising questions about safety protocols in place at the zoo. The council, which oversees the zoo's operations, confirmed its awareness of the incident and emphasized the importance of understanding the circumstances that led to this alarming situation. The trapped worker is believed to be participating in a training program for young individuals in Northern Ireland, highlighting the potential risks faced by those in training roles within such environments. The council's investigation aims to ensure that proper safety measures are implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future. As the inquiry unfolds, the zoo's management is expected to cooperate fully with the council to address any lapses in safety protocols and to safeguard the well-being of both staff and animals. The incident has raised significant concerns about the operational practices at the zoo, prompting calls for a thorough review of safety standards.