Toronto Zoo Closes Orangutan Exhibit After Escape

The Toronto Zoo has indefinitely closed its orangutan exhibit after a male orangutan named Kembali briefly escaped his enclosure on Thursday. Kembali accessed an area just outside his habitat, which prompted zoo staff to evacuate nearby guests and call the police as a precaution. The orangutan was safely returned to his habitat without any injuries reported. The zoo is reviewing surveillance footage and appealing to the public for any additional video evidence to understand how Kembali managed the escape. The incident has led the zoo to consult with international experts to modify the enclosure and prevent future escapes. The $11 million habitat, which opened in June 2023, houses seven Sumatran orangutans and includes an integrated research station.