Recent reports from the Jos Wildlife Park in Plateau State, Nigeria, indicate that a hyena has escaped, raising concerns among authorities. According to reports relayed by Fatshimetrie, the escape of the animal was observed on Sunday, July 7, 2024.
The Managing Director of the Plateau State Tourism Corporation, Chuwang Pwajok, confirmed this and indicated that immediate steps were taken to locate the animal in question.
In his statements, Pwajok expressed his responsiveness to the incident, saying: “I received a report yesterday that a hyena had escaped from its enclosure at the Jos Wildlife Park. I have immediately instructed all our staff, especially the park rangers and animal handlers present, to take immediate steps to locate the animal.”
Park teams, who have been mobilized since the escape was reported, are making every effort to find the hyena and bring it back safely to its enclosure. Pwajok stressed that the animal should not stray far from its usual location as it is not acclimatized to its outdoor environment and is only familiarizing itself with the Jos Wildlife Park.
Reacting to speculations that the hyena may have escaped due to hunger and malnutrition, Pwajok strongly refuted the allegations: “There are rumors that the animal fled due to hunger, which is far from the truth. Anyone who visited the park a few months ago and has returned recently will testify that all our animals are in better health than before. Governor Caleb Mutfwang has generously approved an increase in the feeding of the animals in the park.”
Thus, the park teams are engaged in an intensive search to ensure the safety of visitors and other animals residing in the park. Measures have been taken to inform the public of the situation and ensure that all necessary precautions are taken for the well-being of all.
This unexpected event underlines the importance of vigilance and reactivity in the face of incidents involving wild animals, recalling that the protection of the ecosystem and the safety of individuals are essential priorities in the management of natural parks.