Zoo: 911 call reporting escaped lion was a hoax

May 23 (UPI) -- The president of a Missouri zoo said a 911 call reporting a lion had escaped the facility during recent storms was a hoax.

Mike Newman, president of Wild Animal Safari in Strafford, said the 911 call reporting a lion on the loose after Tuesday's severe storms was not accurate.

"I can tell you that someone made a bogus call," Newman told the Springfield News-Leader.

Webster County Sheriff's Deputy Clerk Tiffany Knight confirmed the department investigated a 911 call about a lion escape at the zoo and determined it was a hoax.

Newman said several structures were damaged during the storms Tuesday. The facility remained closed for repairs Thursday.