Elderly Elephant Safely Returns After Brief Escape at New Mexico Zoo
A 52-year-old Asian elephant named Alice safely returned to her enclosure after briefly escaping at the ABQ BioPark in New Mexico.
According to zoo officials, Alice was discovered outside her habitat early Sunday morning at around 7:30 a.m., before the facility had opened to the public. Security staff quickly alerted animal care teams, who responded immediately.
In a calm and controlled response, keepers were able to guide Alice back simply by calling her — a testament to the strong bond between the elephant and her caretakers.
Zoo officials confirmed that Alice was unharmed during the incident and that no staff or visitors were ever at risk. The facility was closed at the time, ensuring public safety throughout the situation.
The biopark stated that no other elephants left their enclosure and that standard emergency protocols were followed effectively by staff.
While outside her habitat, Alice wandered briefly and consumed nearby plants, leaving behind some debris that delayed the zoo’s opening by approximately 30 minutes.
Officials say they will now repair and reinforce parts of the enclosure to prevent similar incidents in the future, while continuing to monitor Alice’s health closely.
The zoo emphasized that regular emergency drills helped ensure a smooth and safe outcome, highlighting the importance of preparedness and animal care relationships.
