By Aaior K. Comfort
MAIDUGURI — A sense of relief has swept through Maiduguri, Borno State, as an elephant that escaped from the Sanda Kyarimi Park Zoo has voluntarily returned following recent flooding that severely impacted the park and submerged 70 percent of the state capital.
A viral video captured the moment on Monday when zoo workers successfully lured the elephant back with food, guiding it to the entrance before securing the gates behind it.
Residents, who had been on high alert for the elephant over the past 17 days, expressed their gratitude upon its return. “When the flood damaged the zoo and we heard the animals were roaming the streets, I was cautious about my movements. I’m glad the elephant is back,” said Aisha Mohammed, a Maiduguri resident.
Abubakar Usman, who witnessed the elephant’s return, described it as a joyous occasion. “The elephant returned on Friday, and it was a moment of celebration for us. The longer it stayed missing, the more our fears grew,” he noted.
Another resident, Abba Modu, shared his delight, stating, “The zoo feels incomplete without that elephant. It was always enjoyable to watch it. We are also relieved that there were no reports of the elephant harming anyone while it was missing.”
Despite attempts to contact zoo authorities for updates on other missing animals, no information was available. Our correspondent, who visited the zoo, observed that it is currently undergoing renovations, particularly around the damaged sections of the fence and other facilities.
Earlier reports indicated that approximately 80 percent of the zoo’s animals perished due to the flooding, while others, including crocodiles and snakes, managed to escape.
Leave a Reply