Zoo animals escape during flooding in Borno, Nigeria
- Flooding in Borno state has caused wild animals to escape from the Sanda Kyarimi Zoo.
- Zoo officials are working to recapture the animals, with some success reported, but many remain unaccounted for.
- Residents are advised to be cautious as the flooding has displaced both people and wildlife, raising safety concerns.
In north-east Nigeria, flooding has led to the escape of several wild animals from the Sanda Kyarimi Zoo in Borno state. The flooding, described as unprecedented in scale for the past 30 years, has forced many residents to evacuate their homes. Zoo officials, including Ali Donbest, are actively working to recapture the escaped animals, although the exact number remains unknown. So far, an ostrich has been recaptured, and a crocodile has been reported found, but access to some areas is hindered by floodwaters. The floodwaters have submerged the cages of lions and hyenas, raising concerns about their potential escape. However, it is unclear if these animals have indeed left their enclosures. Additionally, reports of other wild animals, such as a hippo, have surfaced, indicating that the flooding may have displaced creatures from various locations, not just the zoo. Residents of Maiduguri are on high alert, with some, like Ishaq Sani, expressing fear of encountering wild animals as they seek refuge from the floods. Fortunately, there have been no reports of animal attacks on humans thus far. The situation is part of a broader pattern of severe flooding across Nigeria, which has resulted in over 170 fatalities and displaced tens of thousands of people. Authorities are urging the public to exercise caution as they navigate the aftermath of the flooding. The ongoing efforts to recapture the escaped animals highlight the challenges faced by both zoo officials and local residents in the wake of this natural disaster.