Jaguar Escapes New Orleans Zoo Enclosure, Kills 6 Other Animals

NEW ORLEANS, LA — The Audubon Zoo in New Orleans was closed Saturday after a jaguar escaped from its enclosure and attacked six other animals, which died, the zoo said.

According to a press release from the zoo, the jaguar was reported to have escaped around 7:20 a.m. while the zoo was closed to the public. The zoo said the situation was resolved by 8:15 a.m., when the jaguar was sedated by the veterinarian team.

Four alpacas, an emu and a fox that were in nearby habitats were attacked and did not survive, the zoo said. No human injuries were reported.

"The animal care team is devastated by this tragic loss," the zoo said in a statement. "Today is a difficult day for the Audubon family."

The zoo will reopen at 10 a.m. on Sunday.

An investigation into how the jaguar escaped will be conducted.

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