Residents got a fright after a 'gorilla' escaped and roamed the Saudi capital’s streets
23 July 2018
| Last updated on 24 July 2018
It’s not every day that you can say a chimpanzee came to visit you! Especially not in a residential area…
This is exactly what happened on Friday, July 20th, 2018 as residents in Riyadh got quite a fright after an escaped chimpanzee was reportedly roaming the streets of northern Riyadh.
Residents originally thought that it was a gorilla roaming the streets when it was actually a chimpanzee. The chimpanzee is thought to have escaped from a cage from somewhere in the area although it is still unclear where exactly the animal came from.
It is common for GCC nationals to illegally purchase and keep wild animals such as gorilla’s, cheetah’s, leopards, jaguars, lions and other wild animals as pets in their homes.
According to Twitter users, the animal was roaming around the residential area for approximately 30 minutes before security authorities stepped in and capture the animal.
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In a video captured of the chimpanzee, it is first seen sitting next to cars that are parked in the shade. One brave resident even tried to offer the chimpanzee a banana although he didn’t take it. A little later we can see the animal sitting on the corner of a fence trying to escape the hot summer heat.
According to Twitter users, the animal was roaming around the residential area for approximately 30 minutes before security authorities stepped in and capture the animal.
SEE ALSO: Most Picturesque Places in Saudi Arabia
In a video captured of the chimpanzee, it is first seen sitting next to cars that are parked in the shade. One brave resident even tried to offer the chimpanzee a banana although he didn’t take it. A little later we can see the animal sitting on the corner of a fence trying to escape the hot summer heat.
Officials have not yet released an official comment about the incident or what is going to happen to the creature now.
The footage of the animal went viral on social media in the meantime as it is seen strolling unobstructed through an almost empty street.
Here are some of the best reactions on Twitter to the escaped animal: