Parachutist lands in bonobo enclosure at Ouwehands Zoo
A parachutist accidentally landed in the bonobo enclosure at Ouwehands Zoo in Rhenen on Saturday afternoon. No injuries were reported.
The parachutist was supposed to land on the center circle of a nearby football field, where a new artificial turf was being inaugurated. However, due to unknown circumstances, the man veered off course and landed inside the bonobo habitat.
Zoo director Robin de Lange said the parachutist was fortunate that the bonobos were indoors at the time of the incident. "He’s extremely lucky—100 meters further, and he could have landed in the elephant or lion enclosure," De Lange told NOS.
The zoo plans to meet with the football club to prevent similar incidents in the future. "It was a real scare," said De Lange. "This must never happen again."
The cause of the mishap is under investigation. Both the parachutist and zoo staff confirmed that no animals or people were harmed during the landing.
