Lincoln Park Zoo Denies Animals Were Let Loose Amid Chicago Protests

Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo dispelled rumors Monday that its animals were let loose out of their habitats by looters as protests against the death of George Floyd were underway. Photos of the alleged animals apparently went viral but the zoo issued a statement denying the incident and the images.

Social media was abuzz Sunday when some people claimed to have seen monkeys, lions, hippopotamus and giraffes roaming the Chicago streets. People also tweeted concern and sadness for putting the animals in harm's way as looters wreaked havoc in the city.

But despite the viral post, Lincoln Park Zoo operators said their animals did not escape.

"All animals at Lincoln Park Zoo are accounted for and safe," the zoo operators posted on Twitter. “There were no break-ins, thefts, or incidents last night. Images circulating, claiming to be of Lincoln Park Zoo animals out of their habitats, are false.”

Jillian Braun, the zoo's public relations and communications director, told Chicago Tribune they were told of chatter on the police scanner about the zoo animals.

“We take all claims of animals being loose very seriously," Braun said. "So, we did go in and ensure that all the animals were accounted for.”

Braun also said they had to issue a statement, however unusual it may seem, since they received messages and inquiries especially from “friends of wildlife.”

Incidentally, Brookfield Zoo in Chicago's western suburbs also had no incident. Both animal facilities have been closed for nearly three months since the coronavirus pandemic.

Meanwhile, across the state in Oakland, California, police were also alerted about a possible wandering tiger who allegedly escaped the Oakland Zoo. Alameda County's sheriff's office posted a tweet Sunday evening warning about the animal. Minutes later, however, the police confirmed the tiger, and all the other animals at the zoo, were safe and accounted for, according to CNN.