Animal rights groups outraged after police in Spain fatally shoot chimp

Animal groups are outraged after Spanish police shot and killed a female chimpanzee who escaped from the Sa Coma Safari Zoo.

The AFP reported that the chimp named Eve, escaped the zoo located on the island of Mallorca, with her companion Adam on Monday afternoon. Authorities said that the apes, which weighed more than 170 pounds each, managed to break out of their cages.

According to the Mirror, authorities searched an area near tennis superstar Rafael Nadal’s home and were given orders to shoot on sight. When Eve was found close to the town of Son Carrio, she was fatally shot.

"She was very agitated and there was a risk that she might attack a member of the search party," a Guardia Civil police spokesman said. "It wasn't possible to use tranquilizer darts because on animals that big it takes about five minutes to have an effect.”

A primate protection group called Proyecto Gran Simio is asking that the zoo be closed down immediately.

Police are still currently searching for Adam, who remains on the loose.

For more daily news stories follow Michelle on Twitter @PhilaMichelle

WordPress › Error

There has been a critical error on your website.

Learn more about debugging in WordPress.