Lion escape at China zoo
Image: HAP/ Quirky China News/ Rex Feat
A zoo in China's Chongqing city has had to be evacuated after two lions escaped from their enclosure, which was left open by the zoo keeper. The keeper caused panic after forgetting to lock the doors to the enclosure after cleaning it, allowing the big cats to break free.
The Chongqing Zoo, located in south-west China was forced into lockdown just after 8am on Tuesday, as armed police and wildlife experts searched for the animals.
The lioness was found after an hour of freedom, but the wily male lion managed to elude capture for nearly four hours.
A zoo spokesman said: "We found the female first and subdued her with a tranquilliser gun but the male took longer to find and bring back," said a zoo spokesman.
"They both recovered quickly and are no worse off for their adventure," he added.
Apologising to the locals and customers, an official said: "You can't blame the lions. It was human error and they naturally took advantage of it."
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
