A tornado struck the state of Georgia on Saturday night, causing significant damage to the Pine Mountain Animal Safari, a 300-acre zoo that is home to 75 animal species, including Bengal tigers. The facility’s infrastructure was severely damaged, leaving several animal enclosures breached, and two tigers briefly escaped.
According to a Facebook post on Sunday morning by the Troup county’s sheriff’s office, authorities received a report from the zoo that a tiger was unaccounted for inside the park. However, after a few hours of searching, zoo officials announced that both missing tigers had been found, tranquilized, and safely returned to a secure enclosure.
A statement issued by the zoo said, “Like much of south-west Georgia, Pine Mountain Safari sustained extensive tornado damage this morning. Fortunately, none of our animals and employees were hurt. However, several animal enclosures were breached, and two tigers briefly escaped. Both have now been found, tranquilized, and safely returned to a secure enclosure.”
Tigers Roam Freely at Zoo Following Tornado StrikeThe zoo’s website describes the facility as a specially designed space where animals roam freely, allowing visitors to enjoy their wild environment from the comfort of a vehicle. The main attraction is a 3.5-mile drive-thru trail where animals, including big cats like tigers, can roam freely.
The brief escape of the tigers came as tornadoes struck some southern states over the weekend, resulting in at least 26 fatalities and prompting the White House to declare a federal emergency. The National Weather Service issued a tornado watch for parts of Alabama and Georgia, warning of scattered hail as large as tennis balls and isolated wind gusts up to 70 mph.
Zoo officials have expressed gratitude for the concern and support they have received during this difficult time, emphasizing their commitment to the safety of their employees, animals, customers, and community. Despite the challenges, the zoo remains dedicated to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors.