The death toll from a jaguar’s escape at the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans climbed to eight after an alpaca and a fox were found dead Sunday, the day after the big cat got out of its habitat and killed six other animals.
According to NOLA.com, the male jaguar broke free Saturday morning and killed four alpacas, one emu and one fox before zoo staff could contain the situation. A veterinary team sedated the animal, and it was safely returned to its night house. No visitors or staff were hurt, and the zoo reopened Sunday.
Alabama and Mississippi Farms Lost Animals
The loss reached beyond Louisiana: the zoo had acquired its alpaca herd just months earlier, in March, from farms in Alabama and Mississippi. Sunday’s overnight victim was the zoo’s last living alpaca. One injured fox continued to be monitored by zoo veterinarians.
How Did It Happen?
Zoo officials said it was not immediately clear how the jaguar escaped, but inspections found that the roof of the enclosure was “compromised.” Initial findings ruled out keeper error as a factor, and a full review of the habitat was underway.