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Wildlife groups warns of risks after gorilla's brief escape

Associated Press
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Police and evacuated visitors stand outside London Zoo after a gorilla escaped in London, Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016. London police say an incident involving a gorilla that escaped from its enclosure at the London Zoon has been concluded. There are reports the animal was subdued Thursday with a tranquilizer gun and recaptured. There were no initial reports of injuries. (Lynne Chapman via AP) (The Associated Press)

In this undated photo provided by ZSL on Friday, Oct. 14, 2016, Kumbuka eats watermelon in his enclosure at London Zoo, in London. Management of London Zoo said Friday that a silverback gorilla’s escape from its enclosure was a “minor incident” that posed no danger to the public. But a wildlife advocacy group said the incident, which ended without injuries to visitors or the animal, could have had a more tragic outcome, and is calling for an official investigation. (ZSL/via AP) (The Associated Press)

In this undated photo provided by ZSL on Friday, Oct. 14, 2016, Kumbuka eats watermelon in his enclosure at London Zoo, in London. Management of London Zoo said Friday that a silverback gorilla’s escape from its enclosure was a “minor incident” that posed no danger to the public. But a wildlife advocacy group said the incident, which ended without injuries to visitors or the animal, could have had a more tragic outcome, and is calling for an official investigation. (ZSL/via AP) (The Associated Press)

A wildlife advocacy group has warned that the escape of a silverback gorilla from the London Zoo that ended without injuries to visitors or the animal could have ended very differently.

Chris Draper of the Born Free Foundation said Friday the group is "relieved" no people or animals were hurt but said it was a reminder of the risks of keeping dangerous wild animals in captivity.

Male gorilla Kumbuka escaped from his enclosure Thursday evening, leading some zoo visitors to be locked inside of buildings until the animal was subdued by a tranquilizer dart.

Armed police descended on the zoo. Officials said the public was not in danger and the gorilla was back in his enclosure within an hour.

An investigation into the escape is underway.