A 52-year-old Asian elephant named Alice made a brief escape from her enclosure at the ABQ BioPark in Albuquerque on Sunday, March 29, 2026. The incident, which occurred early in the morning, resulted in a temporary delay in the zoo’s opening but was handled without injuries or danger to staff or visitors.
The Escape and Swift Return
Security staff at the ABQ BioPark discovered Alice outside of her designated elephant habitat around 7:30 a.m., just as the zoo was closed to the public. Fortunately, the zoo’s animal care staff was able to call Alice back to her habitat, and she returned without incident. According to a statement from the zoo, the elderly elephant did not sustain any injuries during her short excursion.
No other elephants left the habitat, and there were no injuries to the staff. “No guests were present on grounds during this event,” the zoo added, ensuring that public safety was not compromised.
Zoo Response and Safety Measures
The zoo’s quick response was in part due to its routine emergency drills, which prepared staff for such situations. The BioPark stated that the team executed the emergency protocol “perfectly” and that Alice’s bond with the elephant care team made it easier for her to return safely. Alice is known to have a deep trust in her caregivers, which helped calm her down during the situation.
Following the escape, ABQ BioPark took immediate steps to address the incident, including repairs and reinforcements to the fencing to prevent any future escapes. The zoo also delayed its opening by 30 minutes to clear debris left behind by Alice as she ate plants and wandered around outside her enclosure.
Moving Forward
ABQ BioPark, which includes a zoo, aquarium, and beach, has assured the public that it will continue to monitor Alice closely to ensure her safety and well-being. The zoo is committed to improving the enclosure and reinforcing its security protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.
