Lion shot dead after escaping enclosure at Beligium Zoo

A LION has been shot and killed after escaping its enclosure at a zoo in Belgium - after just two “failed anaesthetic attempts” by vets.

A LION has been shot dead at a zoo in Belgium after escaping from its cage.

The female lion escaped its enclosure at Planckendael Zoo, but did not get out of the zoo grounds.

Around 40 visitors, including schoolchildren, were kept in the gift shop or in the car park while a veterinarian tried to sedate the animal.

However the zoo later reported she had been shot dead by police.

Planckendael Zoo Belgium

In a tweet, the zoo said: “After two failed anaesthetic attempts, we had to let the escaped lion sleep.”

No visitor or staff member was in danger at any time, it said.

Some of the school children visiting the zoo were kept on a bus but a teacher said it was “not easy to keep them calm”.

Teachers were told by police: “Do not step out of the bus, a lion has escaped”.

Pupils on a school trip look out from their bus after they had to be evacuated from Planckendael Zoo. Picture: AFP

Visitor Caitlin Cant told VTM news: “We arrived here and immediately had to go to the souvenir shop.

“Some classmates are still in their car in the parking lot. Classmates who were on their way were sent back home.”

After it was revealed the lioness had been shot dead, furious people on social media criticised the zoo’s response.

A map of the Planckendael Zoo in Belgium shows that the lions are located in the far right corner. Picture: Planckendael Zoo

Willems Glenn said: “I wonder who was more panicked, the lion or the staff. Again an animal dead by man’s ignorance. Bravo!”

Evelyne Bos added: “Again an animal dead by human failure. I think that if we choose to keep animals captive, it must be in a safe environment.”

Another tweeted: “Totally irresponsible. Understand that safety is important. But if you cannot get such a thing under control within your zoo, then I have serious questions.”

People are furious over the lion’s shooting. (Lion pictured is not the lion that escaped) Picture: David Smith

The lion got out just after opening time at the zoo, located around 30 kilometers (19 miles) north of Brussels.

The zoo reopened today just after midday.

This article was originally published in The Sun an has been reproduced here with permission.