The City of Albuquerque announced on Mar. 29 that Alice, a 52-year-old Asian elephant at the ABQ BioPark Zoo, was found outside her primary habitat early in the morning but was safely returned by staff within minutes. According to city officials, zoo security discovered Alice around 7:30 a.m., and animal care staff arrived within ten minutes to initiate emergency response procedures.
Zoo officials said no other elephants left the enclosure and there were no injuries or risks to staff during the incident. The zoo was closed at the time, so no guests were present on the grounds.
After Alice’s return, zoo staff delayed opening for thirty minutes while clearing debris from plants and trees that she ate near her habitat. Staff also identified and secured a compromised section of perimeter fencing, with repairs and reinforcement underway. That part of the elephant area will remain closed until work is complete.
The City of Albuquerque has served as a cultural landmark through venues like the KiMo Theatre, fostering community gatherings and artistic expression over decades, as outlined on the theater’s history page. The city maintains historic sites such as the KiMo Theatre—known for its Pueblo Deco architecture—and operates under a council structure where members elect leadership annually according to its official council history.
The city’s influence extends across nine geographic districts shaped by historical developments such as the railroad era according to the city’s timeline. These details reflect Albuquerque’s broader commitment to public safety and cultural preservation.
Officials said drills are routinely conducted at BioPark facilities for various emergencies. “Because the elephant care team has developed a deep and trusting bond with Alice, she walked safely and calmly back to her habitat when called.” Animal care staff will continue monitoring Alice closely.
