Zoos have long been a place where animals are kept for public viewing, but some animals have found ways to break free. From lions to chimps, these escape stories highlight the lengths animals will go to regain their freedom.

However, their escape often leads to chaos and danger for both the animals and humans involved. Here are eight notable cases of zoo escapes.

The Lion That Escaped and Attacked Human

In late 2018, at the Burlington Nature Center in North Carolina, a 14-year-old male lion escaped from a locked enclosure and attacked a 22-year-old intern named Alexandra Black. Despite attempts to calm the lion, named Mato, it had to be shot to prevent further harm.

The Red Panda on the Run

Earlier this year, a two-year-old red panda named Kora escaped her habitat at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Ohio. After being spotted by visitors, she climbed a tree and refused to come down. Eventually, she fell onto a safety net prepared by zoo staff.

The Venomous Snake That Went Missing

In 2011, a venomous Egyptian cobra escaped from the Bronx Zoo, causing a city-wide panic in New York. The snake, which could damage a person within 15 minutes, became a media sensation with fans and social media accounts. Fortunately, it was found in a dark corner of the zoo's reptile house.

The Chimpanzee That Escaped Nine Times

A chimpanzee named Ken Allen became a legend in the 1980s for escaping the San Diego Zoo nine times. He used various methods, including unscrewing bolts and using a crowbar left by staff. Despite increased security, he continued to find ways out until he was moved to a more secure facility.

The Kangaroo in the City

In June of this year, a 10-year-old kangaroo named "Surprise" escaped from a wildlife sanctuary in Colorado. It was spotted 64 kilometers away in a city. Despite searches by a team with drones, the kangaroo has not been found.

The Lion That Escaped a National Park

In March 2016, a lion escaped from Nairobi National Park in Kenya and hurt a man. The park, located just 6.4 kilometers from the city, had issues with its fencing. This was not the first time lions had escaped; several had been spotted in the city before.

The 70 Monkeys Set Free

Earlier this year, a 16-year-old boy released 70 monkeys from a zoo in Fuji, Japan. He cut a hole in the enclosure's wire mesh. The boy was caught after his friend's car was seen on surveillance footage. He admitted to bringing the tools to the zoo on purpose.

The Chimpanzee That Climbed a Power Pole

In 2016, a chimpanzee escaped from Yagiyama Zoo in Japan and ran through a residential area, terrifying locals. It climbed a power pole and walked along the wires until it was shot and fell.

Zoo escapes are dramatic events that show the animals' desire for freedom. However, they often lead to dangerous situations for both the animals and humans. These eight cases highlight the need for better security measures in zoos to prevent such incidents.