The Denver Zoo is known for its commitment to animal welfare and public safety. However, even the most well-designed and maintained facilities can sometimes experience animal escapes. This blog post will explore the procedures and response protocols the Denver Zoo has in place to handle such situations.
Procedures to Prevent Animal Escapes
Enclosure Design and Maintenance
The Denver Zoo takes great care in designing and maintaining its animal enclosures to prevent escapes. This includes the use of high-quality materials, such as stainless steel cargo clips rated at 450 pounds tensile strength, to secure outdoor habitats.
Regular Inspections
Regular inspections are conducted to identify and address any potential weaknesses in the enclosures. This proactive approach helps the zoo stay ahead of any issues that could lead to an animal escape.
Animal Training
The Denver Zoo trains its animals to recall to specific locations or areas when they hear a certain noise or see a signal. This helps the zoo’s staff manage the animals during an escape or intrusion, making it easier to contain and recapture them.
Response to Animal Escapes
Code Red
In the event of a dangerous animal escape, the Denver Zoo initiates a “Code Red” over the radio to alert the Ranger Team and trigger the emergency response protocol.
Ranger Team Deployment
When a Code Red is called, members of the Ranger Team deploy to their weapons cabinets, unlock them, and retrieve firearms and ammo packs. A radio handler is also assigned to manage communications and transport team members to the scene.
Containment and Capture
The Ranger Team works quickly to contain and capture the escaped animal, using appropriate methods such as tranquilizers or nets. Their training and specialized equipment allow them to safely handle the situation.
Visitor Safety
During an animal escape, the safety of visitors is the top priority. Visitors are moved to enclosed areas or evacuated to ensure their safety while the Ranger Team responds to the incident.
Collaboration with Authorities
If the escaped animal leaves zoo property or if assistance is needed to extract someone from an enclosure, the Denver Zoo notifies law enforcement and other emergency services to coordinate the response.
Notable Incidents
Albert the Alligator
In 1981, an alligator named Albert escaped from the Denver Zoo and lived in the City Park duck pond for 28 days before being captured.
Cassowary Escape
In 2011, a double-wattled cassowary escaped from its exhibit at the Denver Zoo but was safely recaptured and returned to its enclosure.
Geoffroy’s Cat
In 2022, a wild Geoffroy’s cat named Dia was smuggled through Denver International Airport and eventually found a permanent home at the Denver Zoo.
The Denver Zoo’s commitment to animal welfare and public safety is evident in its comprehensive procedures and response protocols for handling animal escapes. By continuously improving its facilities, training its staff, and collaborating with local authorities, the zoo ensures that it is prepared to respond effectively to any such incidents.
References
KDVR. (2024, January 25). This wild cat at Denver Zoo was smuggled through Denver airport. Retrieved from https://kdvr.com/news/local/this-wild-cat-at-denver-zoo-was-smuggled-through-denver-international-airport/
9NEWS. (2019, July 12). This alligator escaped from the Denver Zoo for almost a month. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwShvcagCQo
The Denver Post. (2024, January 26). Wild cat smuggled through DIA finds permanent home at Denver Zoo. Retrieved from https://www.denverpost.com/2024/01/26/denver-zoo-airport-dia-cat-smuggled/
CBS Colorado. (2011, July 15). Cassowary Escapes From Exhibit At Denver Zoo. Retrieved from https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/cassowary-escapes-from-exhibit-at-denver-zoo/
ASIS International. (2024, May 13). How Zoos Respond When a Dangerous Animal Escapes. Retrieved from https://www.asisonline.org/security-management-magazine/articles/2024/05/zoo/zoo-weapon-response-teams/