An escaped lion has been shot dead at an animal sanctuary in North Carolina after killing an employee.
In a statement, the zoo park – which takes guests on up-close tours of big cats, wolves and other animals – said the lion had been killed to ensure the body of the worker could be retrieved.
“The Conservators Center is devastated by the loss of a human life today,” it said.
“While a husbandry team led by a professionally trained animal keeper was carrying out routine enclosure cleaning, one of the lions somehow left a locked space and entered the space the humans were in and quickly killed one person.
“It is unclear at this time how the lion left the locked enclosure.”
The family of the victim has not yet been informed of the death and the centre – which specialises in select carnivore species – will be closed until further notice.
It is home to more than 80 animals, including tigers, lions, ocelots and coyotes.
