Residents around Sanda Kyarimi Zoo in Maiduguri, Borno State, trying to escape flooding are now thrown into confusion as some animals in the zoo have started coming out.
An ostrich and a crocodile have already escaped as the flood rages on, raising fears that others like elephants, lions, and snakes domiciled in the zoo may find their way out at any moment.
While one of the crocodiles that escaped was found dead after it was attacked by some unidentified person, the ostrich has been wandering.
When contacted, the Director, Forest and Wildlife, Mr Ayuba Peter, who said the incident took them unawares, confirmed that the Zoo Manager had intimated him about the recent development.
Peter said roads around the area have been blocked to stop human movement, while wildlife staff were patrolling to pick any animal that escaped, particularly the carnivores.
Meanwhile, a reliable source in the zoo said that about 80 per cent of the animals in the zoo, particularly the carnivores who can’t escape due to their locked facility are dead, while others like snakes and crocodiles have been washed away by the flood.
The raging flood from the collapsed Alau Dam has continued to submerge many areas in Maiduguri and environs.
By Yakubu Uba
