Jaguar Escapes, Kills 6 Animals at the New Orleans Zoo

A jaguar escaped from its habitat and killed six animals at the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans on Saturday, which resulted in the zoo closing for the day. Zoo officials said it was the first time in at least 50 years that one of its animals was killing others.

"This is by far the biggest incident we have had, the greatest magnitude, the greatest tragedy," Ron Forman, director of the Audubon Nature Institute, said at the time. A press conference

The 3-year-old male jaguar, Valerio, came out of his pen at around 7:20 am, before the zoo's opening, according to the direction. Director Dr. Kyle Burks. He attacked four alpacas, an emu and a fox in nearby habitats before being sedated by a veterinary team nearly an hour after his escape, the zoo said. Three other animals were treated after the incident. Officials said the killings appeared to be from territorial disputes.

The jaguar was secured in his night home. Vice President and Conservative General Jack Hamilton said the jaguar "did what jaguars do."

There were no human injuries. The zoo closed for Saturday, with plans to reopen Sunday morning.

"The animal care team is devastated by this tragic loss," the zoo said in a statement. "Today is a difficult day for the Audubon family."
Burks said the zoo will investigate the incident, including how the jaguar is released.

In a Facebook post in February, the zoo called Valerio the Jaguar a "great adorable goofball" and encouraged visitors to see it in its "Jaguar Jungle" exhibit.

A few Audubon animals have escaped over the years, including a small 70-pounder in 2001 and two monkeys in 2013 , according to the Times-Picayune. But none of these incidents led to the death or death of other animals.