Officials at a zoo in the US say they are working to find a way to keep an Andean bear inside his enclosure after he escaped for the second time this month.
The bear, named Ben, was outside for less than an hour and was found only about 100ft away from his habitat, St Louis Zoo officials said in a statement.
The four-year-old bear, who weighs about 300lbs, was tranquilised and returned to the enclosure.
Visitors and zoo staff were kept inside zoo buildings during Ben’s escapade.
Andean bears live in a variety of habitats, ranging from deserts to forests. They have white or yellow fur rings around their eyes, which can look like glasses. These markings are unique to each bear, just like our fingerprints. #BearConservation pic.twitter.com/9ETiCK4e77
Advertisement— Saint Louis Zoo (@stlzoo) February 21, 2023
The bear escaped on February 7 by tearing apart clips that attached stainless steel mesh to the frame of the enclosure’s door.
He did not wander far and was outside for about 90 minutes before being returned.
In response, the zoo added stainless steel clips with 450lbs of tensile strength to the mesh.
But Ben managed to snap those clips on Thursday.
Zoo officials said they are working on alternative ways to secure the enclosure and will seek advice from the Association of Zoos & Aquariums Bear Taxon Advisory Group.
