The Toronto Zoo is trying to determine how a resident orangutan managed to briefly leave its enclosure and is appealing to the public for help.
According to the zoo, Kembali, a male orangutan, managed to access an area outside of his newly built habitat while visitors were present.
Earlier this evening, Toronto Zoo Health and Safety staff were notified by a Zoo volunteer that Kembali one of the male orangutans had accessed an area just outside of the new outdoor habitat.
— The Toronto Zoo (@TheTorontoZoo) August 30, 2024
As an AZA-accredited zoo, these are situations we prepare for through regular drills. pic.twitter.com/i91TMZh4YM
While the zoo is reviewing surveillance footage of the habitat to determine the course of Kembali’s actions it is also asking witnesses to contact them.
“We are appealing to any guests who were at the orangutan outdoor habitat during this time, who may have captured video footage, to please contact Graham Birtles, Supervisor, Health & Safety Services at gbirtles@torontozoo.ca,” it said in a press release on Thursday.
Noneless, Kembali’s exit was short-lived.
“Zoo staff responded quickly and were able to clear guests from the area and the animal was returned to the habitat without incident,” the press release said.
Police were also called to the scene as a precaution. No injuries were reported.
The orangutans’ $11 million, 13,000sq. ft. outdoor habitat opened in June 2023, and houses seven orangutans in total.
The enclosure also has an integrated research station were researchers can study the
orangutan’s behaviour and further conservation efforts.
Meanwhile, people have been reacting online to Kembali’s momentary escape.
“He was just monkeying around,” one X user wrote.
“He wanted new clothes for the start of school next week. He was headed for the Banana Republic,” another person wrote.
“I saw it coming as soon as I watched them out in the outdoor enclosure! They are not stupid! They sit there studying their environment,” someone else commented.
“Took one look at housing prices in Toronto and hoped right back in,” one user said.
The outdoor orangutan habitat remains closed to media and guests while they investigate the incident.
