Flooding Causes Animal Escapes in Maiduguri Zoo

Severe flooding in Maiduguri, Borno State, has led to the escape of several animals from the Sanda Kyarimi Zoo, including an ostrich and a crocodile, raising concerns for public safety as other potentially dangerous animals like lions and snakes remain inside their enclosures. The flood, exacerbated by the collapse of the Alau Dam, has submerged homes, schools, and critical infrastructure, prompting government warnings for residents to evacuate. Reports indicate that about 80% of the animals in the zoo have died, particularly carnivores unable to escape due to locked facilities, while others have been washed away by the floodwaters. The situation has resulted in the closure of roads and patrols by wildlife staff to prevent further escapes. Civil society organizations have expressed distress over the plight of trapped residents and the fate of the zoo animals. Local authorities are overwhelmed as they manage both the human and wildlife emergencies caused by the flooding.