The operation to locate a lion, which is believed to be roaming freely in the south of Berlin, possibly also in neighboring Brandenburg, continues since the early hours of the morning.

More than 100 police officers, vets and hunters take part in the operation, which is supported by helicopters with thermal cameras and a special armored police vehicle.

Shortly after midnight, the police received complaints from residents of the area, while the authorities were also handed over a relevant video. Since then, police have seen the feline at least twice, but have not been able to get close to it, while an appeal is in place for citizens to stay off the streets and keep their pets out of their homes.

The police carry heavy weapons, while the vets carry special stun guns. An emergency telecast will be broadcast later tonight as authorities gather information from viewers about where the animal may be. Until now, it remains unclear where the quadruped escaped from, as nothing has been reported from zoos and circuses located in the wider area.

According to Stefan Wunderlich, a representative of the International Species Conservation Council and the German Hunting Association, there are also private individuals who own wild animals, with the “black market” and the corresponding network being particularly active in southern Berlin, via a group on the communication platform WhatsApp.