2 zebras flee circus, run through streets

PHILADELPHIA -- A pair of zebras escaped from a circus Sunday and went running through the streets of west Philadelphia before they were recaptured, police said.

The two animals somehow fled the UniverSoul Circus outside the Mann Center for the Performing Arts in west Philadelphia about 2 p.m. Sunday.

A circus spokesman stated the animals "briefly went on the loose."

No injuries were reported.

Witnesses took to social media to post photos and video footage of the animals running through the streets before police confirmed their recapture about 3 p.m. Sunday.

"Zebras in custody," police said on their Twitter account. "They are already sporting old-timey prisoner getup ahead of trial and sentencing. Have faith, fellas."

Last month, a circus trapeze artist at the UniverSoul Circus show fell into the crowd during a performance in Philadelphia.

Police said the 19-year-old performer fell about 30 feet from his apparatus Oct. 31 and landed in the crowd. A witness said he bounced off a safety net, then landed among the spectators.

No injuries were reported to anyone in the crowd, and circus officials said the performer was expected to make a full recovery from a lower back injury.