Taronga Zoo investigates after five lions found outside enclosure, ’emergency’ sees staff sent to ‘safe zones’

Sydney’s Taronga Zoo has blamed a containment fence “integrity issue” for the escape of five lions from their enclosure this morning, while a full review continues.

A report is also being prepared for the NSW Department of Primary Industries after the “significant incident” resulted in staff and visitors being sent to “safe zones”.

“An initial review of this morning’s incident has confirmed that an integrity issue with a containment fence enabled five lions to temporarily exit their main exhibit,” the zoo said in a statement. 

“Keepers and vets report all lions are doing well.” 

Police were called to the sprawling Mosman complex at about 7am after what the zoo described as “an emergency situation” involving one lion and four cubs.

Taronga Zoo’s executive director, Simon Duffy, said the lion enclosure had two containment fences, and the animals had breached one of them.

“We don’t have the exact details on how and why that occurred, but I would remind everyone that Taronga Zoo itself has its own safety perimeter fence so at no time did the lions exit that area or exit Taronga Zoo.”

Mr Duffy said four of the lions “calmly” made their way back to their main exhibits on their own and “one lion cub was safely tranquillised”.

“All animals are now safe in their back of house exhibit and are being monitored,” he said.

“We have received video footage and we confirm that it was less than 10 minutes between the lions exiting their main exhibit and the full emergency response being enacted.”

The zoo remained open but the lion exhibit was off limits to visitors today. The lions are in a back-of-house holding area as the investigation continues.

In a social media post, Taronga Zoo said it had “strict safety protocols in place for such an incident”.

“All persons on site were moved to safe zones and there are no injuries to guests or staff,” it said.

“All animals are now in their exhibit where they are being closely monitored.”

Once the animals were secured, Taronga staff were seen walking the perimeter of the enclosure, which is known as Lion Pride Lands.

They appeared to be checking the fence line.

At least seven police officers were also in the enclosure, engaged in conversations with staff.

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The not-for-profit’s harbourside headquarters, which dates to 1916, is among Sydney’s most iconic tourist attractions, and houses more than 2,000 species.

In August 2021, Taronga’s African lioness Maya gave birth to five cubs, all of which remain at the zoo.

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