In an unusual turn of events, a stray dog found itself wandering into the gorilla enclosure at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, sparking concern and curiosity among visitors and zookeepers alike. The incident took place on a busy weekend afternoon when the lost dog, later named "Mighty Joe Young," managed to slip past a fence and enter the exhibit.
Witnesses reported that as the dog ventured further into the gorillas' space, the resident gorillas noticed the intruder but kept a safe distance, visibly curious and slightly wary. Zoo staff immediately sprang into action, carefully assessing the situation to ensure both the dog’s and the gorillas’ safety. After clearing the area of visitors, animal care specialists used food lures and verbal cues to guide the gorillas to a holding area, while an animal control team approached the dog.
The dog was safely retrieved, with no harm to the gorillas or the canine. Mighty Joe Young was later transferred to a local animal shelter, where he was found to be in good health and eagerly awaited adoption. The episode was both a reminder of the unexpected in urban wildlife encounters and a testament to the quick-thinking efforts of the San Diego Zoo team.