Kimba's night out - 24th November 2023

In Italy, a lion escaped from a circus and toured the streets of a nearby town. Residents were shocked by the news and were ordered to stay off the streets. Gerardo Guarino worried for his wife's safety.

Gerardo Guarino: "The news scared me a bit - a lion, on the loose. I called my wife and said there's a lion around so be careful, in fact if you come home it's better."

While the 8 year old lion enjoyed his free tour of Ladispoli, the police, vets and circus staff were busy trying to find him. The lion chase lasted five hours before Kimba was located and safely transported back to join his brothers and sisters at the circus.

Rony Vassallo, who looks after the animals at the circus, was certain Kimba would not attack anyone.

Rony Vassallo: "I can understand, for a normal person to find a lion - for me it's normal. In fact, I didn't have any fear that he might do something because he's an animal who is used to people, used to other animals."

Vassallo was more worried people would hurt Kimba. Resident Barbara Rosolino was also surprised at Kimba's gentle nature.

Barbara Rosolino: "Yes, I was a little scared but afterwards from the images, from the videos you could see that he was so good."

Kimba was born in captivity and is one of 9 big cats at the circus which also has acts including elephants, camels and horses. Although Italy's laws permit circus acts to be performed by exotic animals, Ladispoli's mayor is demanding an end to the use of animals in circus entertainment.

However, as the debates carry on, the brave hearted Kimba's undisturbed in his cage, perhaps dreaming of his night out.