By BELFAST, Northern Ireland — The Belfast City Council has launched an investigation into an incident at Belfast Zoo where a worker was allegedly locked inside a lion enclosure, officials said Thursday.
The incident, reported to have occurred earlier this month, involved two staff members entering the lion enclosure, according to the Belfast Telegraph, which cited an unnamed source familiar with the matter. The newspaper reported that a more experienced staff member allegedly left the paddock, locking the gate and leaving a colleague inside with the lions.
In a statement to ABC News, the Belfast City Council said, “We are aware of an incident at the lion enclosure at Belfast Zoo earlier this month. We take the safety of all our staff, visitors and animals very seriously. An investigation is underway into the circumstances of this incident.”
The duration of the worker’s alleged confinement in the enclosure remains unclear.
Belfast Zoo officials declined to comment on the incident, citing the ongoing investigation.
The zoo houses a pride of Barbary lions, including one male named Qays and two females, Fidda and Theibba, according to the zoo’s website. Barbary lions, once native to North Africa, are now found only in zoos and are part of a global breeding program aimed at ensuring their survival.
This incident raises questions about safety protocols and procedures at the zoo, particularly concerning dangerous animal enclosures.
The Belfast Zoo, operated by Belfast City Council, is a popular attraction in Northern Ireland and home to over 120 species of animals.
As the investigation continues, local authorities have not released information about potential changes to zoo procedures or any disciplinary actions that might result from the incident.
Credit: abcnews.com
