Monday 27 March 2023

2 tigers escaping from a Georgia safari park have been recaptured during a tornado warning

2 tigers escaping from a Georgia safari park have been recaptured during a tornado warning

2 tigers escaping from a Georgia safari park have been recaptured during a tornado warning




The tigers escaped a local zoo during a tornado Sunday morning. Facebook/Wild Animal Safari






Two tigers have been recaptured after escaping a Georgia safari park during a tornado warning Sunday morning, according to the park.




The Pine Mountain Wild Animal Safari confirmed that the two animals, that were briefly on the loose, had been located, tranquilized, and returned safely to their enclosure.







In a Facebook post, the Wild Animal Safari park in Pine Mountain wrote that it sustained "extensive tornado damage."


Earlier on Sunday, the Troup County Sheriff's Office announced that at least one tiger was 'unaccounted for' following the tornado, which touched down at around 7am and damaged the tigers' cages.


The Wild Animal Safari is still closed to the public following the breach - after residents in the town of 1,500 people were earlier urged to stay indoors.


Confirming that the wild animals had been found, the zoo wrote: 'Like much of Southwest Georgia, Pine Mountain Safari sustained extensive tornado damage this morning. Fortunately, none of our animals and employees were hurt.


'However, several animal enclosures were breeched, and two tigers briefly escaped. Both have now been found, tranquilized, and safely returned to a secure enclosure.


'We appreciate your concern and support during this difficult time.'


Around 1,500 residents are been urged to stay in their homes as officials try and get the tiger back into the zoo.


Troup County Sheriff's Office said in a statement on Facebook: "We have received a report from the Pine Mountain Animal Safari that they are reporting a Tiger that is unaccounted inside the park."








The park confirmed it will not be opening today.


It comes after a tornado and flash flood warning remains in place until 1pm on Monday with cops advising residents to stay off the roads.


Upson, Meriwether, and Pike counties all experiencing weather warnings with thunderstorms and flooding expected.


The National Weather Service forecast for Troup County says: “Thunderstorms likely. Showers likely. Highs in the lower 70s. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.


"Thunderstorms, showers. Locally heavy rainfall possible in the evening. Lows in the lower 60s. South winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90 percent.”


The tornado in Troup County downed trees, power lines and caused buildings to collapse.


Over 13,000 homes and businesses did not have electricity as of 9.30am this morning with many people still trapped in their homes.















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