Snow leopard shot dead after escaping from Dudley Zoo

Animal killed after 'keeper error', zoo says

Margaash was an eight-year-old leopard (Dudley Zoo)

A snow leopard has been shot dead after escaping from its enclosure at Dudley Zoo.

The animal, named Margaash, escaped from his enclosure on 23 October after the door was left open due to a "keeper error" .

Once staff realised that Margaash was outside, a firearms team was called in to assist the staff.

The leopard was then killed with a single shot and the zoo said in a statement that it was left with "no other option in the interest of public safety".

Dudley Zoo said a disciplinary investigation had been carried out after the eight-year-old leopard's death.

“This was an incredibly sad incident and our staff are understandably heartbroken," said Derek Grove, the zoo's director.

“Euthanasia is, and always will be, a last resort."

"Efforts to persuade Margaash to return to his enclosure failed and as the animal was close to surrounding woodland and dark was approaching, the vet did not believe a tranquiliser dart was a safe option due to the amount of time the drug takes to work."

“Safety of the public is always of paramount importance and our staff are highly experienced and rigorously trained.”

Animal rights campaigners and members of the public strongly criticised the decision to kill the animal.

"When animals who have been imprisoned, like Margaash, see an opportunity to escape their dreary lives, they often take it," said Elisa Allen, Director of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

"Sadly, these acts of self-liberation are often their last, as many once-captive animals who attempt to follow their natural instincts are killed."

The zoo's social media accounts have been bombarded with messages from animal lovers who are outraged by the shooting.

"I have to say I am an annual member have been for years and have always fiercely supported you," wrote Zoe Durnin "but this bitterly disappoints me!"

"I don't think it was necessary to kill that poor animal, I may think twice before renewing my membership next year."

"Very disappointing action taken by the zoo," said Titch Larson, another member of the public. "A tranquilizer dart should of been used. Useless idiots".

The snow leopard was born in Banham Zoo in Norfolk and transferred to Dudley Zoo in September 2011.

The death of the animal prompted Dudley Zoo to carry out a review of all enclosure security.

Visitors to the site on the day Margaash was shot were forced to leave and those who had adopted the animal were informed of his death shortly after the shooting.

Additional reporting by agencies