Dusit Zoo holds emergency tiger escape drill

Thammarat Thadaphrom

BANGKOK, 18 June 2016 (NNT) – Bangkok's Dusit Zoo has conducted a drill simulating a tiger escape, following the recent distressing incident at a zoo in Ohio, USA where a four-year-old boy somehow fell into a gorilla compound.

Zookeepers and staff took part in an "escaped-tiger " drill at Dusit Zoo as part of a training exercise in what to do if a tiger escapes its enclosure. The zoo also held an emergency response exercise in the event of someone falling into an animal exhibit.

A keeper told the press that the zoo has never encountered any incidents similar to these exercises, thanks to its preventive measures. She added these exercises are staged on a biyearly basis.

The move follows a heart-breaking incident that took place in Cincinnati Zoo in Ohio where a male gorilla was shot dead during a rescue operation. A four-year-old boy had climbed into the gorilla enclosure and was seen being dragged around by the 400-pound animal before the zoo decided to shoot the gorilla to protect the boy.

-- NNT 2016-06-19

They should announce in advance the date and time of these "escaped tiger drills".

It would be worth paying the entrance fee to go to enjoy the exciting entertainment provided by the re-capture team in returning the make-believe escaped tiger back into incarceration.