A polar bear in the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
Source: The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden YouTube Channel
The Cincinnati Zoo put visitors and staff on lockdown Wednesday after a polar bear escaped its enclosure.
Berit, a 16-year-old female, escaped her pen into a behind-the-scenes area, zoo officials said. At no point was the animal loose in the zoo, a spokesman from the zoo told CNBC.
"There is no risk to staff or visitors in the park," he said, noting that there have been no injuries. Guests may leave the park if they choose, he added.
Visitors inside the park took to Twitter following the lockdown:
The situation is ongoing and under control, zoo officials say.