Tiger on loose in Troup County, Georgia, after escaping zoo as tornado rips through area

After a tornado ripped through west Georgia on Sunday, it was reported that a tiger was unaccounted for at the Pine Mountain Animal Safari park and is currently on the loose.

Troup County Sheriff officials received a report that a tiger going missing from the enclosure but were not sure how the predator has escaped.

The park announced on Facebook that it will be closed on Sunday. Pine Mountain Safari later announced on Facebook that the tigers had been captured, indicating that more than one tiger had gone missing.

Also Read | Tiger on loose in Troup County, Georgia, after escaping zoo as tornado rips through area

“THE TIGERS ARE SAFE! Like much of Southwest Georgia, Pine Mountain Safari sustained extensive tornado damage this morning,” the park said. “Fortunately, none of our animals and employees were hurt. However, several animal enclosures were breached, and two tigers briefly escaped.”

“Both have now been found, tranquillized, and safely returned to a secure enclosure,” Wild Animal Safari announced. “We appreciate your concern and support during this difficult time. Pine Mountain Safari is committed to the safety of our employees, our animals, our customers, and our community. We will continue to update this page with other relevant storm-related information, as warranted.”

Two tigers have been captured in west Georgia after a tornado-spawning superstorm tore through the region.

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The apparent escape comes after a tornado tore through the area, damaging buildings, and toppling trees and power lines. Several people are also without power as well as cell service as Verizon’s network is interrupted. Search and rescue crews are on site responding to people trapped under the rubble. The sheriff’s office advised citizens to stay off the roads.

“If you do not have to get on the roads this morning, please do not travel,” the sheriff’s office wrote on Facebook. A second post read, “STAY OFF THE ROADS Troup County!”

The National Weather Service (NWS) said that a Tornado Watch has been issued for parts of Georgia and Alabama until 1 p.m. Sunday. Parts of Georgia, including Manchester, Hannahs Mill, and Zebulon were under a flash flood warning f till 2 pm. The tornado in Georgia happpened a couple of days after tornadoes wreaked havoc in Mississippi and left at least 25 dead and at least one dead in Alabama.