An lechwe antelope has been put to sleep after escaping from Paignton Zoo this morning.
![](https://wearesouthdevon.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/wp-image-851664011jpg.jpg)
The animal was successfully captured after being tranquilised and safely returned to the Zoo.
It has since been announced that the animal has been put to sleep.
A spokesperson for Paignton Zoo posted on Facebook:
At 08:10 this morning a lechwe escaped from its enclosure at Paignton Zoo. The animal was recaptured in a garden on Brantwood Drive in Paignton at approximately 10:15. We are grateful to Devon & Cornwall Police for their prompt response and support during the recapture; and to our neighbours for their patience. The escape was triggered by fighting between the males in the lechwe herd. Following a full assessment we have decided to put the animal to sleep as it would have been impossible to return the escapee to the herd, or find a suitable new home for him. More information about our lechwe can be found on our website here: http://www.paigntonzoo.org.uk/animals-plants/animals/details/kafue-flats-lechwe