Toronto Zoo appeals to guests for video footage after Orangutan escapes outdoor habitat

TORONTO, Thursday, August 29, 2024: Earlier this evening, Toronto Zoo Health and Safety staff were notified by a Zoo Volunteer that Kembali one of the male orangutans had accessed an area just outside of the new outdoor habitat. 

A spokeperson from your Toronto Zoo says, “as an AZA accredited zoo, these are situations we prepare for through regular drills. Zoo staff responded quickly and were able to clear guests from the area and the animal was returned to the habitat without incident.”

As a precautionary measure, Toronto Police Services were called and responded and were kept on standby in the Zoo’s administration parking lot. 

In their news release the zoo team explain, that they are currently reviewing Toronto Zoo video footage from the orangutan habitat to determine how Kembali was able to access this particular area, but they would welcome footage from any guest who was present at the time it occurred. 

“We are grateful to our Zoo team for their quick actions. We are appealing to any guests who were at the orangutan outdoor habitat during this time, who may have captured video footage,” reads the release.

Anyone with video captures of the Kembali’s escape is asked to please contact Graham Birtles, Supervisor, Health & Safety Services at gbirtles@torontozoo.ca.

A spokesperson at the Toronto Zoo says, “While we continue to investigate this incident, the outdoor orangutan habitat will be closed to guests and media until further notice. We thank you for your understanding during this time.“

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