Zoo Animals Escape in Flood-Hit Nigerian State as Residents Remain on Alert

Officials in Borno state, north-east Nigeria, have confirmed that several wild animals have escaped from a local zoo after heavy flooding submerged the area. The escape occurred at the Sanda Kyarimi Zoo in the state capital, Maiduguri, where rising waters damaged enclosures and allowed animals to break free. Videos of some of the animals roaming the streets have quickly spread across social media, causing panic among locals. Ali Donbest, the zoo’s manager, told the BBC that it remains unclear how many animals have escaped, but a team has been mobilized to track them down. So far, an ostrich has been captured, but Mr. Donbest urged residents to remain cautious.

The floods, described as the worst seen in Maiduguri in 30 years, have displaced many families, forcing them to flee their homes. Some have reported sightings of the animals, while zoo officials continue their search. "We’ve successfully recaptured the ostrich that was seen on the streets," said Donbest. "We also received reports of a crocodile in another area, but we cannot reach the location due to the floodwaters." Concerns are growing about the possibility of more dangerous animals being on the loose. The cages housing lions and hyenas have been submerged, and it’s unclear whether they have also escaped. The floodwaters have severely weakened the zoo's perimeter walls, increasing the risk of further escapes.

While the escaped animals present a concern, Mr. Donbest noted that not all creatures spotted in the streets may be from the zoo. "We’ve heard reports of a hippo being seen, but we don’t have any hippos in our zoo. The floods may have also displaced animals from other areas," he explained. Local residents are understandably on edge. Ishaq Sani, who lives in Maiduguri, told the BBC that his greatest fear is encountering a wild animal. He abandoned his home due to the flooding and is now staying with a friend. "I’m just hoping to avoid any dangerous creatures," he said, adding that there have so far been no reports of animals attacking people. This incident is part of a wider problem, as Nigeria has been hit by devastating floods in recent months. According to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), more than 170 people have died, and tens of thousands have been displaced across the country due to heavy rains and flooding. ⚡ Image Credit: GettyImages