Tree Limb Falls on Baboon Habitat, Visitors Evacuated

Summary:

ROCHESTER, NY – The Seneca Park Zoo evacuated guests from the premises after a tree fell on a baboon habitat on Monday. According to zoo officials, a tree limb fell and damaged a portion of the protective netting above the habitat at 1 p.m.

A zoo visitor explained that the tree limb fell as they were underneath the roof of the habitat, taking pictures and videos of the baboons. She said there were four others also at the baboon exhibit at the time, including an infant. She added that all of them were rushed away from the chaos by zoo staff.

When hurrying away from the exhibit, she recalled seeing RPD officers step in to assist with the incident. “We saw the police and they had a tranquilizer gun,” McGavisk said. “They were running frantically and had bags of grapes. It was really crazy.” In response, the zoo proceeded with emergency safety protocols out of an abundance of caution, including a hold-in-place order for the north side of the zoo and evacuation for the rest of the zoo.

The remaining guests were evacuated soon after. Zoo officials and staff are continuing to assess the situation and confirm that no animals were outside of their habitats. The Zoo closed for the remainder of Monday.

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