Escaped London Zoo gorilla Kumbuka downed five LITRES of undiluted blackcurrant squash during hour of freedom
His shock escape from his enclosure at London Zoo grabbed headlines last week - and now we finally know what Kumbuka did during his brief spell of freedom.
Turns out the gorilla took full advantage of his escape - achieved by slipping through two unlocked doors - by knocking back five litres of undiluted squash.
Zoological Society of London’s Director of Zoology David Field revealed all in a blog called Kumbuka the Gorilla: What Actually Happened.
He confirmed “there were no broken locks, Kumbuka did not smash any windows, he was never ‘on the loose’”.
Escape route: The silverback slipped through two doors to freedom (SWNS)
Kumbuka saw his opportunity when a door to his den was left unsecured at around 5.10pm on Thursday 13 October. A secondary security door had not yet been locked, meaning the silverback was able to make "an opportunistic escape” into a staff-only corridor where a keeper was working.
Professor Field said: “Thanks to the incredibly close bond and relationship shared by the zookeeper and Kumbuka, the zookeeper was able to continually reassure Kumbuka, talking to him calmly and in the same light-hearted tone he would always use, as he removed himself from the area.”
As staff raised the alarm, Kumbuka took the opportunity to explore the area next door to his den - where he opened and drank five litres of undiluted blackcurrant squash.
In the press: Kumbuka’s escape last week grabbed headlines (SWNS)
Professor Field confirms that quick-thinking zookeepers immediately contained Kumbuka before tranquilising him and moving him back into his den.
"Any breach of our security protocols is incredibly serious, but the incident itself was less dramatic than some would have you believe,” he added. “Within two hours Kumbuka was back with his family, snacking on treats, and probably wondering what all the fuss was about.
Back home: Kumbuka was away for under two hours (SWNS)
Dad-of-two Kumbuka is London Zoo’s alpha male gorilla, described by Professor Field as "a patient and protective father, who displays typical silverback behaviour, such as beating his chest and posturing. Gorilla Kingdom is his home and territory and as his family grows, so will Kumbuka’s naturally protective instincts.”
He added: “We will continue to work with our keeping teams to identify any adjustments or modifications that can help avoid any repeat mistake in future, but ultimately our trust in our people is not shaken.
"Today, Kumbuka and his family are happily playing, eating and sleeping in Gorilla Kingdom. Gorillas invoke the most remarkable feelings of wonder from anyone who sees them and our visitors can continue to be assured that these animals are safe, secure and in the care of a team of dedicated zookeepers.”
Top image: SWNS
