Whipsnade Zoo brown bear escape investigation shows fallen tree wasn't a priority
The two bears were shot dead after escaping their enclosure in May
An internal review from the Bedfordshire Zoo shows the fallen tree wasn't seen an needing priority action.
On May 21st two brown bears escaped their enclosure by climbing a fallen tree in the area. They got into a nearby area and attacked a male boar.
Zookeepers then shot the two bears in order to prevent any further attacks or danger.
Whipsnade Zoo then launched an internal investigation into the incident, particularly whether the fallen tree should have been dealt with.
The ZSL venue provided the following update:
"ZSL Whipsnade Zoo conducted an internal investigation into the tragic incident which took place on 21 May, to ensure nothing like it can happen again.
"The internal review showed that Whipsnade Zoo’s regular tree surveying programme had been adhered to, and that the tree involved in the incident had been assessed regularly and was not considered a high priority for further action.
"Central Bedfordshire Council agreed with the Zoo’s own recommendation to bring forward the recurrence of its regular surveys for trees around the enclosures of highly dangerous animals.
"Whipsnade Zoo has also begun additional work to resurvey trees in the vicinity of key enclosures – this work will be completed by the end of August 2021.
"The Zoo remains focussed on the ongoing care of its remaining brown bear, and the wellbeing of all the staff impacted by this sad incident."