Two zebras were spotted as they ran away from police on Sunday in West Philadelphia. The two zebras were able to escape from Fairmount Park, where the UniverSoul Circus is located.
Philadelphia Police chased the zebras through mall parking lots and fast food restaurants and reached as far as two miles from where they escaped, according to ABC News. The police took the incident lightly and tweeted how they were able to capture the zebras.
Zebras in custody. They are already sporting old-timey prisoner getup ahead of trial and sentencing. Have faith, fellas.
— Philadelphia Police (@PhillyPolice) November 15, 2015
UniverSoul Circus spokesman Hank Ernest said the zebras escaped during their last day while on tour. Further investigation on how the zebras were able to run away from the back lot where the circus was put up is still ongoing, according to the New York Daily News.
The incident raised concern among animal rights activists. Marianne Bessey of Animal ACTivists of Philly has protested for weeks against the use of animals during circus acts.
"They don't want to be here. The two poor zebras probably saw a chance to escape," Bessey said, according to the Philadelphia Daily News. "It underscores the point that animals don't belong in circuses. They get out and they can get hurt or cause public safety issues."
"It's just bad news," she added. "There's no need for it when you have so many talented human acts that could replace them."
Rachel Matthews, the PETA Foundation's counsel, called for the end of circus animal acts, as well.
"Yet again, animals have escaped a circus and been chased through a city they never should have been taken to in the first place. UniverSoul needs to retire its animal acts immediately, and all kind families should refuse to buy a ticket to any circus that exploits animals. PETA is asking the U.S. Department of Agriculture to investigate immediately to ensure that the animals are receiving veterinary care and have safe and proper enclosures," Matthews said, according to NBC Philadelphia.
The UniverSoul Circus will be in Charlotte, N.C., from Nov. 18 to Nov. 29.
