Jacksonville Zoo Warhog Mateo Rescued by Drone

Mateo, a warthog, escaped from his enclosure at the Jacksonville Zoo during the Colors of the Wild event on Friday night, prompting a temporary shelter-in-place for attendees and the eventual closure of the zoo. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) utilized an Eagle Eye thermal drone, operated by Officer Sam Ho, to search for the missing animal, which was ultimately located in a dense palmetto thicket. The successful rescue highlighted the effective partnership between the zoo staff and JSO, with Mateo found safe and later evaluated by the zoo's veterinary team. Videos of the rescue were shared on social media, showcasing the innovative use of technology in animal recovery efforts. The incident concluded positively, with Mateo recovering well post-rescue. The zoo expressed gratitude for the teamwork that ensured Mateo's safe return.