Reports of escaped lion rock Berlin

By Timo Kirez

GENEVA (AA) - Berlin police on Thursday morning are searching for a dangerous predator in Berlin, likely one of Africa’s big cats, if not a cousin.

A police spokesman confirmed to daily Berliner Zeitung that the predatory cat that escaped during the night in southern Berlin is "most likely" a lioness.

Two helicopters and several police officers are currently working together with veterinarians and hunters to find the animal. It is suspected to be in the vicinity of the Berlin districts of Teltow, Kleinmachnow, and Stahnsdorf.

Police warned locals not to leave their homes, and also to bring pets inside.

According to the Berlin police, the warning has now been extended to the entire south of Berlin. Where exactly the predatory cat comes from, the police do not know or have not said. So far, no owner has come forward, reported Berliner Zeitung.

The police have checked zoos, animal parks, circuses, and animal welfare facilities. "No lioness is missing," a police spokesman told the newspaper. According to the report, police have not ruled out the possibility that it could be an animal living in the wild.

The police added that they hope to be able to anesthetize the animal with the help of veterinary doctors and bring it unharmed to a recovery site. If that is not possible, the police are prepared for other measures, it said.