A hyena, here in Tanzania.

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SUPERSTOCK / SUPERSTOCK / SIPA

The Abidjan zoo (Côte d'Ivoire) was closed for an audit by the authorities after the escape on Tuesday of a hyena, the latest episode in a series of problems affecting the park.

The Ministry of Water and Forests also indicated in a press release that "the hyena which escaped was captured without incident and returned to its enclosure".

The hyena escaped in the afternoon causing trouble in the district of Las Palmas, neighbor of the zoo, circulating between buildings and cars.

She didn't attack anyone.

This incident comes after images of a starving lion and accusations of child abuse were circulated on social networks.

I will show you the lamentable state of the lions in the Abidjan zoo, look how thin they are and who cannot even close their mouths for lack of water and food.

@RFI @FirstMagaziine @ NathDasilva2 @Boubaker_SY @Lemediaivoirien @gbich_lejournal pic.twitter.com/KASS48u7Dn

- Anna Touré (@ AnnaToure225) September 8, 2020

The new management is not unanimous

In 2019, the Ministry of Water and Forests replaced the zoo director and launched a zoo rehabilitation program, said a ministry spokesperson.

“There was a succession of actions and problems.

We have closed the zoo for an audit which should last a month.

We hope to be accompanied by international partners but we will continue the work.

The audit should also tell us more, ”he added.

A zoo employee was recently fired after citing poor living conditions for the animals as well as delayed wages.

The volunteers who were helping the zoo have been sidelined, according to a source close to the zoo.

"There is also an overpopulation of lions due to the decision to end contraception," adds this source.

“There are big management problems.

We hope that the audit will give something and that this will improve the living conditions of the animals, ”said Audrey Montel, president of the Animal Protection Committee of Côte d'Ivoire, which is monitoring the case.

The zoo, which boasts of hosting 350 animals, includes lions and elephants.

It was regularly visited by schoolchildren and appeared in travel guides despite the dilapidated nature of certain facilities.

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  • Animals

  • Animal cruelty

  • Zoo

  • World

  • Ivory Coast

  • Abidjan