In a shocking incident that brought chaos to the streets of Karachi, Pakistan, an adult lion escaped from a private vehicle during peak traffic hours. The lion, which was being transported by its owner, caused panic and unrest for nearly two hours before being recaptured by wildlife authorities. The escape took place on the main road of Karachi, one of the country's busiest port cities. As news of the escaped lion spread, traffic came to a standstill, creating a massive jam in the area. Media vehicles rushed to the scene to cover the incident, while curious crowds gathered in hopes of catching a glimpse of the majestic beast. Thankfully, the wildlife authorities swiftly responded to the situation, ensuring the safety of the public.

A lion has been spotted roaming the streets of Karachi 😭 pic.twitter.com/Vi5q6BcIhZ

— Saltafa (@saltafa) August 29, 2023

Wildlife Inspector Mukhtyar Soomro expressed relief, stating, "Praise be to Allah, it is with us safely and no one is in danger now." The escaped lion eventually made its way into the basement of a nearby building, where it was eventually captured by the authorities. The Wildlife Department emphasized that keeping lions in residential areas is strictly banned, and the owner of the lion has been detained. Senior Superintendent of Police Shiraz Nazir confirmed that a case will be registered against the owner for his negligence. It is not uncommon for wealthy businessmen in Pakistan to keep wild cats as pets, operating private zoos and sometimes even parading the animals for the public.

In 2017, a man was arrested for taking his pet lion for a drive through the streets of Karachi, which also garnered widespread attention on social media. As news of the escaped lion spread online, users expressed a mix of alarm and amusement. Visuals of the lion went viral, with some seeing the lighter side of the incident. "Lion is taking a stroll comfortably in Karachi as if he knows there is the law of the jungle here," one user humorously quipped, referring to the city's high street crime rate. The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers and risks associated with keeping exotic animals as pets. It also highlights the need for stricter regulations and enforcement to ensure the safety of both the public and the wildlife.