The Toronto Zoo is investigating after one of its orangutans briefly escaped its outdoor habitat on Thursday evening. Kembali, a male orangutan, managed to access an area just outside of its new outdoor habitat. Fortunately, the zoo’s staff were able to clear guests from the area quickly and the animal was safely returned to its enclosure.

The zoo also called Toronto police as a precautionary measure, but no one was injured during the incident. Police were kept on standby in the zoo's administration parking lot.

Orangutan Escape Investigation

Following the incident, the zoo issued a statement indicating that they are currently reviewing Toronto Zoo video footage from the orangutan habitat to determine how Kembali was able to access the area. The zoo expressed gratitude to its staff for their quick response and actions.

Zoo Staff Respond Quickly

“We are grateful to our Zoo team for their quick actions,” the zoo said in a news release. “As an AZA-accredited zoo, these are situations we prepare for through regular drills.”

Orangutan Habitat Closed

The zoo has announced that the orangutan's outdoor habitat will be closed to guests and media until further notice while the investigation continues.

The zoo is requesting any guests who were at the orangutan outdoor habitat during the incident, or who may have captured video footage, to contact them.

Kembali's Personality

On its website, the zoo describes Kembali as “a free spirit who finds joy and adventure in every moment. A bundle of energy, he loves swinging high and fast through the exhibit, or hanging upside down and dropping dramatically to the ground.”

While the incident may have been concerning, it highlights the importance of zoo staff's preparedness and quick action in ensuring the safety of both the animals and guests. The zoo's investigation into the escape will hopefully shed light on the circumstances that allowed Kembali to access the area outside his habitat and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

Closing Thoughts

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of animal welfare and the need for constant vigilance to ensure the safety and security of zoo animals. It is also a testament to the swift response and professionalism of the Toronto Zoo staff in handling a potentially volatile situation.