Floodwaters damaged the zoo in Tbilisi and destroyed animals’ enclosures. Three zoo workers were reported dead. Wolves, bears, big cats, crocodiles and even a hippopotamus were wandering the streets of the city. Of the zoo’s 600 residents, including fish and birds, about half were missing. Six lions, six tigers, seven bears, one hippo and 13 wolves escaped.Georgia’s prime minister, Irakli Garibashvili, asked residents to stay home while the animals are rounded up. The Ministry of Internal Affairs announced however that the situation was “under full control.” Some animals have also been captured by police while others were shot dead. About 1.1 million people live in the capital. Despite the warnings, people were walking around with their babies. Ufficers are still out searching for other potentially deadly beasts. Soldiers have also been mobilized by the government to help with efforts to get the situation under control.
