Paignton Zoo trio trash cables and panels in teenage stomp
Three gorillas that made their way out of the enclosure to explore an out-of-bounds area know right from wrong, according to the Devon conservation charity.
The trio made their dash last Friday, damaging cabling and doors. The teenagers (in both gorilla and human years) didn't so much enjoy a teenage rampage as a boisterous adventure.
The zoo decided the safest way to handle the stroppy teens was to leave them to it overnight. They weren't at risk of escaping into public areas or harming themselves or others.
On Saturday, two were tranquillised, the third was distracted by the offer of food, before all three were placed firmly back in their main enclosure.
They're in the maintenance department's bad books. "One of the builders went round, sucked his teeth and said it's going to cost us" said a spokesman. But they won't be taking it out of the gorillas' allowance. Bananas are still being provided.