Incident at Belfast Zoo Sparks Investigation
Belfast City Council has launched an investigation following allegations that a worker was locked inside a lion enclosure at Belfast Zoo, Northern Ireland, earlier this month while lions were present.
According to reports, two staff members—a trainee and a more experienced worker—entered the lion enclosure to attend to the animals. The more experienced staff member reportedly exited the paddock, inadvertently locking the gate and leaving the trainee inside with the pride of lions, with no means of escape. It remains unclear how long the worker was trapped in the enclosure.
Safety concerns prompt investigation
In a statement to ABC News, Belfast City Council confirmed their awareness of the incident and emphasized their commitment to safety: “We take the safety of all our staff, visitors, and animals very seriously.” The council added that an investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the event. Belfast Zoo also stated that they could not comment on the incident while the investigation is ongoing.
Belfast Zoo’s Barbary Lions
The Belfast Zoo is home to a pride of Barbary lions, including one male named Qays and two females named Fidda and Theibba. These lions, once native to North Africa, are now only found in zoos as part of a global breeding program aimed at ensuring their survival.
Its website said the breed is “one of the largest lion sub-species”.
“This big cat measure one metre in height at the shoulder and up to three and a half metres in length.
“Average weight can be up to 230 kilograms.”
This incident has raised significant safety concerns, and the investigation’s findings will be crucial in addressing the situation and preventing similar occurrences in the future.