Visitors to the Ralph Mitchell Zoo in Riverside Park in Independence may see an unusual emergency response at the zoo today.

Zoo staff will conduct an animal escape drill while the zoo is open to the public. The exercise is designed to practice what staff would do if an animal were to get out of its enclosure.

Guests can still visit the zoo as normal, but officials say visitors may be temporarily “evacuated” for a few minutes while the drill is conducted.

Zoo officials emphasize that this is only a drill, and all animals will remain safely inside their habitats.

The exercise is intended to help staff prepare for a potential emergency and keep visitors and animals safe.