Wildebeest makes a quick detour at Fort Wayne Zoo
A newly arrived wildebeest got into a neighboring habitat at the Indiana zoo, prompting staff to clear an African exhibit while keepers brought him back safely.
By Bianca Rossi · Entertainment Editor
2 min read
A wildebeest that had been at Fort Wayne Zoo for only a few days gave staff a Friday afternoon scramble after turning up in the wrong habitat, according to UPI.
The Indiana zoo’s African area was evacuated after an employee spotted the animal outside its assigned enclosure, UPI reported. The wildebeest had arrived at the zoo on July 7, just days before the incident.
A Fort Wayne Zoo spokesperson confirmed to UPI that the animal apparently moved out of its enclosure by crossing a shared pond space. The wildebeest was found in a neighboring habitat, not loose in public areas, according to the report.
Zoo staff cleared the African Journey exhibit to keep the scene calm while keepers worked to resolve the situation, UPI reported. The goal was to give the wildebeest a safe route back to his own space without adding noise or stress from guests.
Zoo says staff response matched training
Michelle Smurl, the zoo’s vice president of animal care and conservation education, told WANE-TV that the response was the kind the zoo prepares for when something unexpected happens.
“Our team's response yesterday was exactly what we train for and what we hope to see whenever an unexpected situation occurs,” Smurl told the station.
Smurl said staff acted quickly to secure the area and guide the animal back safely.
“Their quick actions allowed us to secure the area and provide the wildebeest with a safe path back into his habitat,” Smurl told WANE-TV. “We are proud of the collaboration and expertise demonstrated by our staff, and most importantly, the incident was resolved safely for both our guests and the animals in our care.”
The wildebeest was able to return to his own habitat, according to UPI. No injuries to guests, staff or animals were reported in the account.
UPI reported that the African Savanna exhibit later reopened after the incident was handled.
Fort Wayne Zoo had previously announced the wildebeest’s arrival on social media, according to UPI. The Friday habitat hop came less than a week into the animal’s time at the facility.
The zoo did not report in the account that the animal left the zoo grounds. The incident was contained to the exhibit area and resolved by zoo staff, according to the reporting from UPI and WANE-TV.
This story draws on original reporting from UPI.