A pair of lions under the care of Singapore Airlines escaped from their cages while on the apron at Changi Airport yesterday. The two were part of a larger shipment of eight big cats, although it's unclear where they were traveling to or from. The escapees were eventually sedated and are now recovering and being cared for by Mandai Wildlife Group, the owners of Singapore Zoo.

Making a break for freedom

It’s not unusual for animals to cause disruption at airports from time to time. Sometimes it’s animals on the runway that cause the problem; other times, they’re inside the airplanes themselves. But for workers at Changi airport this weekend, the animal issue was a king-sized conundrum, when two traveling lions escaped from their confines.

Traveling on December 12th, the two cats broke free of their cages and began prowling around the apron. However, reports suggest they remained within a netted area around their cages, erected for safety during the transit.

The two lions were reportedly being transported by Singapore Airlines when the incident occurred. As reported by the Straits Times, the lions were part of a shipment of eight of the big cats under the care of the airline at the time. The airline has not revealed where the animals were traveling to or from.

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SIA was transporting the lions, but it's not clear where they were going. Photo: Singapore Airlines

In a statement, the airline said,

"While the incident is being investigated, the immediate priority is the lions' well-being. SIA is working with Mandai Wildlife Group, which operates Singapore's only wildlife facility that is equipped to look after large carnivores, on this."

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The lion sleeps tonight

After escaping their cages, there was something of a standoff between the lions and the workers at the airport. Reports suggest that one even climbed on top of its cage and laid down, picking a high point from which to peruse the chaos.

Eventually, the lions were shot with a tranquilizer gun, under the supervision of SIA’s veterinary and carnivore care teams. The pair are reported to be sleeping off the sedation under the care of the Mandai Wildlife Group. They are currently safe and well within a quarantine facility.

Mandai Wildlife Singapore Zoo Simba
The zoo is home to Simba, the first lion cub to be bred in by assisted reproduction in Singapore. Photo: Singapore Zoo

Mandai Wildlife Group runs the Mandai Wildlife Reserve in Singapore, home to local wildlife and incorporating Singapore Zoo. The Zoo is home to a population of African lions, which includes Simba, the first lion cub to be bred in captivity in Singapore through assisted reproduction. Commenting on the Changi Airport incident, the Mandai Group said,

"The lions are being monitored. They will remain in our care for the time being, and we remain in close contact with SIA on the matter."

There was no disruption to operations at Changi Airport, and no Singapore Airlines flights were delayed as a result.