Escape Artists of Singapore Zoo: The Wild Tales of Twiggy the Panther, Congo the Hippo, and More!

In a series of astonishing events that captivated the public's attention, several animals made audacious escapes from the Singapore Zoo, particularly during the 1970s and beyond. Here’s a look back at these adventurous animals and the dramatic efforts to recapture them.

1. Twiggy the Black Panther - 1973

Just months before the grand opening of Singapore Zoo in June 1973, a three-year-old black panther named Twiggy demonstrated an extraordinary ability to escape. Despite the cage being securely locked, Twiggy slipped out, prompting an extensive search operation. Nearly 200 police and Singapore Armed Forces sharpshooters combed the forest reserves surrounding the zoo in what became a thrilling search saga. Unfortunately, Twiggy was ultimately found in January 1974 in a monsoon drain near the former Singapore Turf Club in Bukit Timah, where it suffocated during a rescue attempt.

2. The Great Sun Bear Escape - 1973

Shortly before Twiggy's daring escape, two sun bears managed to break free from their enclosure the day before Twiggy vanished. Investigators later revealed that one of the bars in their cage was forced apart. While one bear was quickly recaptured, the other was tragically shot after a lengthy pursuit.

3. Congo the Grieving Hippo - 1974

In another poignant tale, Congo the hippo escaped in January 1974 following the death of his mate, Lucy. Believed to have climbed out of his enclosure in a desperate search for her, he wound up at Upper Seletar Reservoir. After 52 days on the run, compassionate zookeepers managed to lure him back with a tempting offer of bananas and sweet potatoes.

4. The Eland's Short-Lived Freedom - 1974

In a quest for freedom that lasted only 11 days, a female African eland managed to jump over a towering 2.4-meter barbed wire fence. In a surprising twist, she returned willingly to the zoo, driven by hunger and likely a sense of familiarity. Eighteen months later, she made zoo history by giving birth to a calf, marking the first eland born in the region.

5. Ramba, the Brave Chimpanzee - 2004

The enthusiasm for escape continued well into the 2000s. In April 2004, Ramba, a six-year-old chimpanzee, found himself in a precarious situation after scaling a palm tree and eluding his enclosure. Even after being struck with a tranquillizer dart, Ramba managed to navigate through two animal exhibits before entering Upper Seletar Reservoir. Sadly, he drowned shortly thereafter, a tragic event that led to the founding of the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society by MP Louis Ng.

6. Medan the Mischievous Orangutan - 2005

In October 2005, Medan, daughter of the beloved orangutan Ah Meng, captivated crowds when she escaped her caretaker's grip and scurried up a tree during a photography session. After about an hour of being on the loose, she returned on her own, coaxed down with her favorite fruit treats.

7. Wild Dog Adventure - 2014 and Beyond

The tales of extraordinary escapades didn't end with the earlier decades. In 2014 and as recent as October of this year, various other animals attempted daring escapes from their enclosures. Each incident has sparked conversations about animal safety and welfare, prompting improvements in zoo protocols and enrichment strategies to keep the animals happy and secure.

These whimsical narratives not only highlight the cunning of these animals but also the ongoing commitment of the Singapore Zoo to provide a safe and enriching environment. With every escape, zoos worldwide learn valuable lessons to ensure such incidents become less of a headline and more of a memory, while also reminding us of the spirited nature of wildlife.