Wild Scenes: Rioters Let Loose Paris Zoo Animals Into The Streets During France Protests
As if the riots in France were not chaotic enough, some zoo animals, including three lions, have escaped from the Paris Zoo during the unrest on Thursday night.
The zoo has not confirmed or denied the incident yet, and the police are trying to locate and secure the animals.
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What Triggered The France Protests
The riots were triggered by the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old delivery driver, Nahel M, by police during a routine traffic stop in Nanterre on Tuesday. The shooting sparked outrage and protests across the country, with many accusing the police of racism and brutality.
The protests soon turned violent, with clashes between protesters and riot police, looting of shops and public buildings, and burning of cars and trash bins.
More than 1,300 people have been arrested so far, and 45,000 police officers have been deployed to restore order. The French government has condemned the violence and called for calm, while also expressing sympathy for Nahel’s family and promising a thorough investigation.
Some celebrities, such as football star Kylian Mbappe, have also appealed for peace and justice.
Rioters Set Free Zoo Animals In France Protests
But the situation took a bizarre and dangerous turn on Thursday night, when some protesters reportedly broke into the Paris Zoo and released some of the animals.
Images circulating on Twitter showed three lions roaming the streets near the zoo, while other reports claimed that monkeys, giraffes, and elephants were also on the loose. Some witnesses said they heard roars and trumpets in the night.
Animals from zoos released by the rioters in France. Zebras, elephants and lions were seen in the streets.#FranceHasFallen pic.twitter.com/mALaYgMwCo
— randy marvin (@ranpoool) July 1, 2023
The Paris Zoo has not issued any statement yet, nor has it confirmed how many animals are missing or how they escaped. The police have urged people to stay indoors and avoid the area around the zoo until further notice.
They have also asked anyone who sees any of the animals to call the emergency number and not to approach them.
The zoo is home to more than 2,000 animals from 40 endangered species, including Siberian tigers, white rhinos, gorillas, and squirrel monkeys. It is unclear how the escape will affect their welfare and survival.