Photo: A screenshot from media reports

A python managed to escape from a zoo in East China's Fujian Province on July 21, according to media reports on Tuesday, with staff from the zoo quick to call the police for assistance in dealing with the situation.

According to media reports, a Chinese netizen shared a bulletin from the zoo on Tuesday stating that the python had escaped and the venue was temporarily closed. The sign also reminded nearby residents to take care should they encounter the reptile.

A person in charge stated that since the cage was old and the snake was relatively small, weighing only about five kilograms with an arm's thickness, and possessing the ability to "shrink its bones," it managed to escape from the cage, media reported.

The cage has been reinforced. Staff conducted a full day's search on Monday and called the police for help.

Staff also advised not to step on or strike the python if they encountered it, and recommended contacting staff or calling the police if any signs of the python are found, according to media reports. Many netizens have expressed their concern following the incident.

Global Times