A lion that broke free from a circus in Ladispoli, near Rome, on Saturday has been successfully recaptured after several hours of being on the loose, according to an announcement by the local mayor, Alessandro Grando.
The incident unfolded just after 10 p.m. local time (5 p.m. ET) on Saturday when Mayor Grando took to his Facebook page to confirm the capture of the lion. He expressed gratitude to various authorities and volunteers involved in the efforts, including the State Police, the Carabinieri, the Fire Department, local and provincial police, and the Local Health Authority.
Grando highlighted the need for a reassessment of the treatment of animals in circuses, stating, “I hope that this episode will stir some conscience, and that we can finally put an end to the exploitation of animals in circuses.”
The escape was first reported earlier on Saturday when Mayor Grando alerted local residents, urging caution and advising people to stay indoors. The lion was initially tracked down in an adjacent waterway, and circus personnel, supported by law enforcement, initiated capture operations. However, the lion managed to escape again, running through the town.
The mayor revealed that a member of the circus staff reported seeing three individuals running away, and a broken lock at the circus suggested possible sabotage. An investigation into the incident is now underway.
During the escape, the lion was observed roaming the streets of Ladispoli, about 50km from Rome. Videos shared on social media captured the lion among parked cars and near residential gates.
To recapture the lion, veterinarians employed a dart equipped with a geolocator. The animal was eventually found and surrounded near a school. Reports indicate that the lion, while in good condition, appeared frightened and in a state of mild hypothermia.
The Carabinieri are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the lion’s escape. The Organization for the Protection of Animals (OIPA) seized the opportunity to emphasize the potential dangers associated with circuses featuring animals, emphasizing the need for legislation prohibiting such practices.
Gary P Hernal started college at UP Diliman and received his BA in Economics from San Sebastian College, Manila, and Masters in Information Systems Management from Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University in Oak Brook, IL. He has 25 years of copy editing and management experience at Thomson West, a subsidiary of Thomson Reuters.
