Sydney's Taronga Zoo has blamed a containment fence "integrity issue" for the escape of five lions from their enclosure this morning, while a full review continues.
A report is also being prepared for the NSW Department of Primary Industries after the "significant incident" resulted in staff and visitors being sent to "safe zones".
"An initial review of this morning's incident has confirmed that an integrity issue with a containment fence enabled five lions to temporarily exit their main exhibit," the zoo said in a statement.
"Keepers and vets report all lions are doing well."
Police were called to the sprawling Mosman complex at about 7am after what the zoo described as "an emergency situation" involving one lion and four cubs.
Taronga Zoo’s executive director, Simon Duffy, said the lion enclosure had two containment fences, and the animals had breached one of them.
"We don't have the exact details on how and why that occurred, but I would remind everyone that Taronga Zoo itself has its own safety perimeter fence so at no time did the lions exit that area or exit Taronga Zoo."
Mr Duffy said four of the lions "calmly" made their way back to their main exhibits on their own and "one lion cub was safely tranquillised".
"All animals are now safe in their back of house exhibit and are being monitored," he said.
"We have received video footage and we confirm that it was less than 10 minutes between the lions exiting their main exhibit and the full emergency response being enacted."
The zoo remained open but the lion exhibit was off limits to visitors today. The lions are in a back-of-house holding area as the investigation continues.
In a social media post, Taronga Zoo said it had "strict safety protocols in place for such an incident".
"All persons on site were moved to safe zones and there are no injuries to guests or staff," it said.
"All animals are now in their exhibit where they are being closely monitored."
Once the animals were secured, Taronga staff were seen walking the perimeter of the enclosure, which is known as Lion Pride Lands.
They appeared to be checking the fence line.
At least seven police officers were also in the enclosure, engaged in conversations with staff.
The not-for-profit's harbourside headquarters, which dates to 1916, is among Sydney's most iconic tourist attractions, and houses more than 2,000 species.
In August 2021, Taronga's African lioness Maya gave birth to five cubs, all of which remain at the zoo.
Live updates
By Bridget Judd
Staff enacted emergency response and 'stepped up as wardens'
Detailing the timeline a little more, Mr Duffy says video footage showed "it was less than 10 minutes" between the lions exiting their main exhibit, and "the full emergency response being enacted".
He says staff at the zoo enacted the emergency response, and "then stepped up as wardens".
That brings the press conference to a close.
By Bridget Judd
Lions will not return to exhibit until review of enclosure is undertaken
Mr Duffy says in addition to a review of the incident, the lion exhibit will undergo further inspection.
"To make sure it is 100 per cent safe, and the lions won't enter that area until that's completed."
By Bridget Judd
'At no time' did lions exit Taronga Zoo
Mr Duffy says the second containment fence acts as barrier between people and the lion exhibit.
"But I would remind everyone that Taronga Zoo itself has its own safety perimeter fence," he says.
"So at no time did the lions exit that area or exit Taronga Zoo."
By Bridget Judd
How and why lions 'breached containment fence' not yet known
Mr Duffy says they don't have the exact details around how and why that occurred, but it will be a focus of the review that's being conducted.
He says the zoo has strict safety protocols in place.
"I am extremely proud of our staff and our guests who all responded appropriately."
By Bridget Judd
Taronga Zoo has launched a review into the incident
Mr Duffy says they've received video footage and have confirmed "that it was less than 10 minutes between the lions exiting their main exhibit and the full emergency response".
He says it's a "significant incident" and a full review is now underway to "confirm exactly how the lions were able to exit their main exhibit".
"I am very proud of, and I want to thank, all the staff and our guests that were on sight this morning, who acted calmly and ensured the successful outcome," he says.
By Bridget Judd
Lion cub was tranquilised, animals are safe and being closely monitored
Mr Duffy says four of the lions "calmly made their way back their exhibits and dens" and one lion cub was safely tranquilised.
"All animals are now safe in their back of house exhibit and are being closely monitored," he says.
By Bridget Judd
Lions separated from rest of zoo by six-foot fence
We're hearing from Taronga Zoo's Simon Duffy now, who says the lions were observed in a small area "adjacent to the main lion exhibit".
"Where a six-foot fence separated them from the rest of the zoo," he says.
"The zoo has very strict safety protocols in place for such an incident and immediate action was taken."
By Bridget Judd
Watch the live update here
We're hearing from Taronga Zoo after five lions were found outside their enclosure this morning.
Officers arrived shortly after 7:00am to what the zoo described in a statement as "an emergency situation".
A police spokesperson said the lions had been returned to their enclosure.
