Orangutan Pulls Off Remarkable Stunt To Escape Zoo Cage

<p> <a href="http://www.9news.com.au/national/2015/07/13/16/36/escaped-orangutan-sends-melbourne-zoo-into-lockdown" target="_blank">9News/</a> </p>
<p> <a href="http://www.9news.com.au/national/2015/07/13/16/36/escaped-orangutan-sends-melbourne-zoo-into-lockdown" target="_blank">9News/</a> </p>

An orangutan named Malu escaped from his cage on Monday thanks to an impressive use of tools.

Malu, who lives at the Melbourne Zoo, used a blanket to break through the roof of his enclosure. According to Australia's 9News, Malu wrapped the blanket around the top bars of his cage and used his weight to break them open.

Once his cage was broken, Malu was spotted strolling across the roof of his outdoor enclosure and onto the roof of a neighboring building. When park staff were notified, 9News reports, they ushered zoo visitors into a cafe and put the park on lockdown.

Zoo staff then tranquilized Malu and returned him to his cage. "He'll wake up tomorrow morning not knowing exactly what happened, but thought he had a good time," zoo director Kevin Tanner told 9News.

While it's good news that both humans and ape walked away unharmed, the incident raises questions about whether such intelligent, emotional and active animals can be humanely kept in captivity; it's no surprise that Malu set out looking for adventure.

Here's another story of a zoo orangutan breaking down barriers.

You can watch 9News' full report below.

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