The lion that escaped this afternoon, sparking panic among the residents of Ladispoli, a town of 42 inhabitants just a few kilometers from Rome, is returning to the circus.
The feline was drugged and brought to safety after about five hours of hunting and apprehension. The animal had first hidden in a reed bed, then was spotted walking through the streets of the city center.
After a lengthy search—which involved the Carabinieri, forest rangers, police, financial police, and firefighters—the lion was rendered harmless and captured.
The Civitavecchia prosecutor's office will investigate the case of the Lion, who escaped from the circus in Ladispoli this afternoon.
It was an afternoon of terror, with residents of the town on the Lazio coast forced to barricade themselves in their homes. The Carabinieri of Ladispoli and the police at the Police Headquarters will soon send an initial report on the incident. In light of the file, the Civitavecchia prosecutors will open a file and begin an investigation.
"The lion has been sedated and captured. It will now be taken into custody by circus staff. I thank the State Police, the Carabinieri, the Fire Brigade, the local and provincial police, the Local Health Authority, and all the volunteers who have served during these hours of great concern."
Ladispoli Mayor Alessandro Grando wrote on Facebook, "I hope," he added, "that this episode will raise some consciences, and that we can finally put an end to animal exploitation in circuses."
EDITORIAL TEAM
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