In the late 1930's a leopard escaped from the zoo. This was announced on the wireless and people were warned to be very careful when leaving their homes or stepping out into their gardens after dark. The police were among those searching for the leopard which was tracked down after two days and shot, there were no tranquiliser guns at that time. Few people had telephones so if you did see it you would not be able to tell anyone because you couldn't go outside!

Written by Margaret Brinicombe

© copyright Paignton Zoo

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