Two chimpanzees at the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park (IGZP) in Visakhapatnam, gave visitors a fright on Friday, after they escaped from their enclosures.

After baiting them for more than an hour, the zoo authorities returned them back to their enclosure.

The zoo presently has three chimpanzees, named Chiko, Chipa and Chikitha. Both Chiko, who is 18 years old, and Chikitha, who is 30 years old, were reported to have jumped the fence in the morning.

Quoting sources, The New Indian Express reported that the chimpanzees used a small pipe to climb out of the enclosure, with the failure of a solar fence which is under repair. 

This was spotted by one of the zoo's animal keepers.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that he animals escaped due to the failure of solar fencing. A detailed investigation has been ordered. If it is found that it happened owing to the negligence of animal keepers, we will take the necessary action,” zoo curator B Vijay Kumar told TNIE.

The authorities also added that there was nothing to worry about, and the chimpanzees were also safe.

Reports added that the authorities first tried baiting the chimps with some food, but failed in their attempt. 

The Deccan Chronicle reported that Chikitha had to be tranquilised and taken back to the enclosure, while Chiko followed them back on his own.

The chimps were brought to the zoo from Israel last year, the DC report added.