Tigers spark terror after escaping when tornado tears through Wild Animal Safari in Pine Mountain, Georgia
TWO tigers have caused a brief panic after they escaped from an animal park in Georgia following a breech in their enclosure caused by tornado damage.
Both tigers have since been located and safely put back in a secure enclosure, according to the safari park.
Police received a report on Sunday from the Pine Mountain Animal Safari in Troup County that a tiger from their park was unaccounted for after a tornado ripped through the facility.
Locals were urged to stay inside while authorities tracked the tiger down.
People on social media were shocked to hear the news, initially thinking it was only one tiger, but many made light-hearted comments about the alarming situation.
"Run tiger run," one Facebook user said.
Another exclaimed: "I hope that tiger doesn't knock on my door!"
However, some showed concern for the predator saying: "I hope the tiger will be OK."
Wild Animal Safari, which calls itself a drive-through zoo, holds 65 types of exotic animals.
The facility had "sustained extensive tornado damage" from the twister that rampaged through the southeastern United States this weekend, according to the animal park's Facebook .
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"Fortunately, none of our animals and employees were hurt," the spokesperson wrote.
"However, several animal enclosures were breeched, and two tigers briefly escaped."
They added: "Both have now been found, tranquilized, and safely returned to a secure enclosure."
Wild Animal Safari thanked the community for their efforts.
";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."
The U.S. Sun reached out to the Troup Sheriff's Office for comment.
At least 26 people were killed and a number are still missing after the tornado tore through Mississippi and Alabama.
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The powerful twister caused widespread damage in Silver City and Rolling Fork, Mississippi,- downing powerlines and leaving thousands of residents trapped in darkness.
This damage stretches at least 100 miles long, causing Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves to declare a state of emergency.