NBCMIAMI.com
A male tiger named Mahesh escaped from his pen at the Jungle Island attraction on MacArthur Causeway this morning, causing frantic park-goers to dial for help in droves as trainers deployed what one witness called an "all-out search."
Miami Fire Rescue responded immediately, but Mahesh was secured in his traveling pen before first responders arrived. According to Jungle Island, he went willingly and without the use of tranquilizers.
No one was injured in the incident, which is now under investigation by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission. According to a statement released by Jungle Island, park-goers were whisked into secured buildings within two minuts of Mahesh's escape.
"At no point were any of the animals not being closely monitored by Jungle Island animal trainers," read the statement. "Seasoned trainers were in control of the situation at all times.
"All of our tigers have been raised by human beings and maintain consistent interaction with people, which inherently allows them to see us as non-threatening. To that end, no guests were injured by the tiger. Any and all guests who expressed concern were seen by City of Miami Fire Rescue."
Eyewitnesses reported seeing the Bengal as near to the entrance of Jungle Island as its flamingo pond. Others suggested the incident was caused by a monkey who entered Mahesh's pen, causing him to leap for the monkey and out into the park.
Jungle Island has neither confirmed nor offered any reason for his escape. Perhaps they're busy offering everyone present a new pair of pants.
The attraction formerly known as Parrot Island has several Bengal tigers, which its website says can reach 6-9 feet in length and weigh 400 to 660 pounds. They also boast a white Bengal tiger and one liger, a rare cross between a lion and a tiger.
Courtesy of Josip Marcan
Courtesy of Josip Marcan
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