A lion escaped from the circus today in Viale Mediterraneo in Ladispoli, Italy.
The Mayor immediately warned the citizens, also through social networks, urging them to stay inside.
"The animal was immediately tracked into the adjacent watercourse. Circus staff are carrying out capture operations, with the support of the police who immediately intervened on the spot," wrote Alessandro Grando.
Checkpoints, a police helicopter and multiple fire and police forces were seen around the area.
Vets intervened and put him to sleep after shooting him with an anesthetic bullet. He was then placed on a stretcher and immobilized with straps before being returned to the cage.
Investigations are continuing to understand if the lion is cared for in accordance with the rules for animal protection, if the ownership documents are in order and also if the security measures have been followed to avoid "escapes" by the circus managers.