National Zoo: Man who climbed into lion enclosure undergoes psych evaluation

A man who tried to climb into a lion enclosure this week at the National Zoo was taken into policy custody and underwent a psychiatric evaluation, according to a zoo spokeswoman.

The man was seen on Wednesday afternoon climbing over a mesh fence that serves as the initial barrier to keep the public out of the great cats exhibit. At no point did the man make it all the way into the enclosure as National Zoo police were able to stop him.

However, once officers began questioning the man, “it became clear after that he needed a psych evaluation,” zoo spokeswoman Annalisa Meyer said Friday. He was then handed over to the Metropolitan Police Department for transport to a psychiatric facility for evaluation.

Ms. Meyer said the zoo does not plan to charge the man with any crime.

There were no further updates available from zoo officials on the man or his condition.