Berlin sees a big-cat frenzy as lioness roams free, searches on

Authorities in Brandenburg, on the outskirts of Berlin, are on high alert as they continue their search for an unidentified lioness that has been spotted roaming freely near residential areas.

The search operation was initiated after multiple reports from concerned citizens who claimed to have witnessed a wild animal, resembling a lioness, chasing another creature.

German police are asking people near Berlin to stay inside after a big cat, believed to be a lion, was seen pic.twitter.com/1tspcIikrQ

— BNO News (@BNONews) July 20, 2023

According to Daniel Keip, a police spokesman, the first alert was raised around midnight on Thursday (July 20) when passers-by contacted the police to report the unusual sighting. "One was a wild boar, and the other was obviously a lioness," Keip told Euronews, further confirming the authenticity of the sightings through video footage captured by witnesses.

Scepticism and caution

• The news of a possible lioness on the loose has left locals in a state of concern and scepticism.
• Some have expressed doubts, including a local circus director who went as far as stating he would "eat his hat" if it turned out to be a lioness.
• However, authorities remain diligent in their efforts to locate the elusive animal.
• Residents of the southwestern districts of Berlin were initially advised to stay indoors to ensure their safety.

These Mzumgus are complete woooos's
1 random lion siting and the whole city is under lockdown and the army out with guns. #Berlin

This lion was sighted in rongai on cctv everyone shrugs tunes in to #maandamano3
It's just a lioness!!! pic.twitter.com/zujElCScgX

— info Pap! (@infopap) July 20, 2023

• As the situation progressed, the warning zone was expanded to include peripheral municipalities between Berlin and Potsdam (38 km from Berlin), urging a larger population to exercise caution.
• Experts in the field of animal welfare have advised the public on safety measures in case of encountering the lioness. People are urged to remain calm, avoid panicking, and slowly back away if they come across the animal.

Extensive Search

• The search for the elusive lioness has prompted a large-scale operation involving over 1000 police officers on 30 cars, veterinarians, and hunters. Additionally, the use of helicopters, drones, and thermal imaging equipment has been employed to aid the search efforts.

Police warned the public to stay indoors on the south-western edge of Berlin while they search for a wild animal in the area believed to be an escaped lioness https://t.co/Q7pzSbFCDs pic.twitter.com/Ce6lOasQQz

— Reuters (@Reuters) July 20, 2023

• The involvement of tranquillizer-equipped hunters and veterinarians reflects the authorities' primary focus on capturing the lioness safely.
• Authorities have urged pet owners to keep their animals indoors to avoid any potential encounters with the wild animal.
• The mayor of Kleinmachow, one of the concerned municipalities, has advised against walks in the forest and outdoor activities such as jogging to prevent possible encounters with the lioness.

Authorities have assured residents that they will remain vigilant and continue their efforts until the elusive lioness is found and secured. Until then, caution prevails in the affected areas as the search for the mysterious feline continues.

ALSO READ: The world's largest cylindrical aquarium burst open in Berlin, flooding a main road and killing 1,500 exotic fish

Uncertain origins

• As the search continues, the origin of the lioness remains a mystery.
• No animal park, zoo, or circus has reported any missing animals, raising questions about how the lioness ended up in the area.

This incident draws parallels to the case of escaped felines, including a wild cat that escaped in Bad Kreuznach near Frankfurt.

A Call for Regulation

• The incident has shed light on the inconsistent laws regarding the trade of big cats across Europe, which might encourage the ease with which individuals can keep them as pets.
• Organisations like Four Paws have urged the German government to implement more effective measures to regulate the trading and keeping of exotic animals, ensuring the safety of both animals and the public. They believe the lioness was kept as a pet.

ASLO VIEW: Kylie Jenner Brings Lion Head to Paris