Alice, a 52-year-old Asian elephant at the City Zoo in Albuquerque, made headlines on April 3, 2026, when she slipped through a compromised section of her habitat and took a stroll through a public area. The incident occurred at approximately 7:20 a.m. ET, and security video captured Alice walking freely before she was located outside her primary habitat at around 7:30 a.m. ET.
Zoo officials confirmed that no staff or guests were harmed during the incident. Alice, who weighs over 8,000 pounds, was found within 10 minutes of her escape, thanks to the swift actions of the zoo staff who executed trained recall procedures to secure her.
Brandon Gibson, the director of the BioPark, commented on the situation, stating, “The 8,000-pound elephant somehow squeezed through this opening, knocking down this fence, just to take a stroll down Main Street.” This incident raised immediate concerns regarding the safety and security of the zoo’s habitats.
The compromised section of fencing had not been updated in nearly 20 years, prompting zoo officials to take action. The affected area will remain closed during reinforcement work, and the BioPark is monitoring the reinforced area daily to ensure the safety of both animals and visitors.
Following the incident, staff cleared paths of debris after Alice had eaten nearby plants and trees. Fortunately, Alice’s behavior returned to normal the day after the incident, alleviating concerns about her well-being.
The BioPark routinely runs drills for emergency situations, which contributed to the quick response during this incident. Staff continues to inspect other habitats for potential weak points to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Modernization work on perimeter containment is currently underway, funded by Gross Receipts Tax funds, to enhance the safety of the zoo’s animal enclosures. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of regular maintenance and updates to animal habitats.
Overall, the swift actions of the zoo staff and the absence of injuries highlight the effectiveness of the BioPark’s emergency protocols. As the zoo moves forward, officials are committed to ensuring the safety of all its inhabitants and visitors.