Dudley Zoo reviewing safety procedures after snow leopard escape
Dudley Zoo is carrying out a safety review of all its enclosures after an escaped snow leopard was shot dead by staff.
Eight-year-old Margaash was killed after opening hours when he had made his way near to woodland with darkness approaching.
Dudley Zoo says it followed all the correct legal procedures before taking the decision to gun down the large cat, with keepers failing to lure him back to his enclosure. Tranquilising was also deemed not an option.
A statement from Dudley Council, the zoo’s licensing authority, said the council supported the zoo’s course of action after all the appropriate steps were taken.
Councillor Cathryn Bayton, cabinet member responsible for public health, said: “We were hugely saddened to hear of the death of Margaash the snow leopard, which is a huge loss to Dudley Zoo.
“The zoo notified us immediately of the actions they had to take to ensure public safety and we are satisfied, as the licensing authority, that they fully complied with the zoo licensing act which puts public safety uppermost. We fully support the actions they took and will be working with them, offering support and advice following this most unfortunate incident, and have every faith in their ability to deliver on the terms of their licence.”
“The zoo has and will continue to review its safety procedures and the security of its enclosures to ensure the ongoing safety of visitors, alongside the welfare and safety of its animals at this much loved local attraction.”
Dudley Zoo also notified the British and Irish Association of Zoos and the snow leopard studbook keeper.
The incident caused a huge backlash on social media with celebrities weighing in.
Actor and comedian Ricky Gervais, who advocates animals rights via social media campaigns, tweeted his anger at the death.
Singer Ellie Goulding tweeted: “We are the worst.”
However, one former Dudley Zoo worker came to the defence on the zoo, and said: “I can’t imagine how the keeper is feeling, I’m heartbroken and I wasn’t even there. This wasn’t deliberate it was a mistake and people make mistakes.”
