Overview
- The incident began around 10 a.m. when a female chimpanzee was seen outside her exhibit, according to the zoo.
- Guests were directed to secure locations, with some told to shelter in the dolphin exhibit or wait in their cars.
- Indianapolis Metro Police, State Capitol Police, and the fire department responded, and an IFD log noted a 10:10 a.m. dispatch for a reported animal bite.
- Zoo officials said security, animal care, and veterinary staff followed established protocols and acted in a textbook manner.
- The escape occurred at a recently opened habitat that houses a community of 21 chimpanzees, and a visitor photo appeared to show the animal atop the enclosure.