Mountain Lion Killed After Escape at Kansas Zoo

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Updated: 9:34 AM May 26, 2009 Mountain Lion Killed After Escape at Kansas Zoo Officials at a central Kansas zoo are trying to figure out how a 150-pound mountain lion escaped from its enclosure. The 14-year-old female was shot and killed by police at the Great Bend Zoo on Sunday evening. Posted: 9:34 AM May 26, 2009 Reporter: Associated Press

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GREAT BEND, Kan. (AP) _ Officials at a central Kansas zoo are trying to figure out how a 150-pound mountain lion escaped from its enclosure.

The 14-year-old female was shot and killed by police at the Great Bend Zoo on Sunday evening.

Zoo director Mike Cargill says the mountain lion escaped during feeding time, about 30 minutes before closing time. Visitors were still at the zoo, and Cargill says the animal had a tendency to be aggressive.

Cargill says the zoo would normally prefer to capture an escaped animal with tranquilizer darts. But it would have taken at least a half-hour for the darts to arrive, so police were called as the mountain lion moved among various exhibits.

Cargill said the big cat died instantly when police arrived and shot it.

Latest Comments

Posted by: Jana Location: New York on Jun 3, 2009 at 08:08 PM

I think that it was meanful, but the ''right thing to do'', but shooting it with,an arrow that made it sleep,would be more of a rightful thing to do,and help it inside of killing it.I think that as soon as it reheals you should let it go in the wild.

Posted by: Pam Location: Topeka on May 27, 2009 at 10:46 AM

I agree - why weren't there tranquilizers there & someone there that knows how to handle the t-gun. I feel very sad that a beautiful animal had to be destoryed. I hope that the zoo directors all over have the ability to have tranquilizers & gun with someone with knowledge on how to use it to keep everyone safe including the animals. Makes me sick to think that they had to put it down. Another animal gone from the animal kingdom.

Posted by: Dee Location: Topeka on May 26, 2009 at 05:42 PM

I just took my daughter to this zoo about a week ago on a vist to Great Bend.I know that this zoo runs on donation only it doesn't cost to go though.But feel as everyone else is saying if they are going to run a zoo there should be these things on hand like tranquilizers.Another thing that I found a bit disturbing when I went down there they have baby alligators in what looked like a stocked tanked with nothing on the top to keep them in or keep children from getting bit!or the fact that there what a large snake in what looked like a bird cage.Like I said before yes it runs on donations but if they can just build a new building to have shows with the animals and gift shop can't they spend the money to cage these animals properly.

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