A lion that escaped from a circus in Ladispoli, near Rome, has been recaptured after several hours on the loose. The escape prompted concern and confusion among local residents. The mayor of Ladispoli, Alessandro Grando, announced on social media that the lion had been sedated and captured after at least five hours on the loose.
The escape was reported around 5 p.m. local time, and the circus staff, along with law enforcement, initiated capture operations. However, the lion managed to disappear into a dense reed bed and reappeared in the town. It roamed the streets, causing alarm among residents. Videos on social media captured the lion wandering around parked cars and in front of houses.
The mayor urged residents to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary movement during the incident. The lion was eventually located and surrounded near a school after veterinarians used a dart equipped with a geolocator.
The circus staff found a broken lock, leading to speculation of sabotage. An investigation, led by the Carabinieri, will explore the circumstances of the escape.
Animal rights advocates, including the Organization for the Protection of Animals (OIPA), seized the opportunity to highlight the potential dangers of circuses with animals, emphasizing concerns about public safety and the well-being of captive creatures used for entertainment.