14-11-2023 (ROME) An adult lion named Kimba, which managed to break free from the Rony Roller Circus, took an unexpected stroll through residential areas of Ladispoli, near Rome. The escapade prompted local authorities, including police officers, circus staff, the Carabinieri police force, and volunteers, to initiate a search for the wandering lion. A helicopter equipped with infrared video technology was deployed to aid in locating the escaped big cat.
Mayor Alessandro Grando urged residents to stay indoors during the lion’s roam. After a search lasting several hours, Kimba was eventually found and recorded walking alongside a grassy area. At around 10:30 p.m. local time, Mayor Grando provided an update, announcing that the lion had been sedated and captured.
Rony Vassallo, an animal handler affiliated with the circus, stated that Kimba did not pose a threat to the public during the escapade. However, Vassallo expressed concern that the lion might be harmed by someone out of fear or excessive enthusiasm.
The circumstances of Kimba’s escape remain unknown, and Vassallo declined to comment on speculations of sabotage. Circus veterinarians confirmed that the lion is in good condition, with no injuries resulting from the public excursion or the sedative.
In response to the incident, Ladispoli’s mayor, Alessandro Grando, has advocated for ending the use of exotic animals in circus performances. Italy currently has no ban on the use of exotic animals in circuses, while certain municipalities in Canada have implemented bans on such performances, reflecting a growing trend toward excluding animals from circus acts.
More footage of the lion that escaped from a circus wandering the streets of Ladispoli, Rome, Italy ???????? | 11 November 2023 | #Italy #Lion #escaped pic.twitter.com/jW5Sq7jbha
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