Panic in Hyderabad zoo as tiger goes loose

Visitors to Nehru Zoological Park here ran helter-skelter as a tiger escaped its enclosure on Saturday.

The Royal Bengal tiger jumped off a 10 feet deep moat in the evening when it was being shifted to another enclosure, creating a scare among hundreds of visitors.

Zoo authorities swung into action to evacuate the premises and closed all the gates. After an hour long effort, the officials tranquilised the big cat and shifted to the enclosure.

The authorities had a sigh of relief as the tiger was caught before it caused any harm. However, the incident sent panic among weekend visitors in the sprawling zoo.

Deputy Commissioner of Police V. Satyanarayana visited the zoo. He told reporters that no one was injured.

Zoo officials ordered an inquiry into the incident, which has raised a questions about the safety measures.

One of the largest zoo in India, Nehru Zoological Park is spread over 380 acres. The zoo, which celebrated its golden jubilee in 2013, is home to some of the most exotic birds and animals in mostly open enclosures in near natural ambiance.

On an average, 15 lakh people visit the zoo annually.