Man jumps fence, bathes in rhinoceros enclosure at Auckland Zoo

An eyewitness who saw a man jump into the rhino enclosure at Auckland Zoo said she thought he was a zookeeper.

A video has emerged online today of the zoo patron who breached the barrier bathing in the water alongside a captive rhinoceros and her calf at Auckland Zoo’s African enclosure.

The shocked eyewitness told the Herald how the event unfolded, which led to the man being swiftly removed by zoo staff and taken away by police.

“You saw him walking towards the bottom of the enclosure where we stood and the rhinos were running about quite rapidly,” the eyewitness said.

“[I] think everyone assumed they were playing and that’s why we were watching till the man then walked over.

“Still people were murmuring thinking that he was a zookeeper until he got in the water and went swimming.

“Then a crowd just formed watching until the zookeepers came and cleared the area and got him out,” the witness said.

A man was filmed swimming in the enclosure that houses rhinos at Auckland Zoo. Photo / Jemma Louise

After being removed by zoo staff, the man was taken into custody, police said.

“No injuries were reported in relation to this incident to the individual or animals.”

Footage shows the man swimming in the enclosure, oblivious to the danger.

He is seen washing his face and head as well as floating on the water, while a large crowd of visitors watch on.

Zambesi, a Southern white rhino explores his patch at Auckland Zoo's Pridelands. Photo / Jason Oxenham

Small children can be seen watching the man frolicking in the water.

The Auckland Council said staff at Auckland Zoo “quickly and safely” resolved the incident.

The rhinos and nyala were understandably startled by the intruder and moved quickly away to the far end of the habitat where zookeepers were able to safely hold them whilst the incident was resolved.

Auckland Zoo director Kevin Buley said he was “extremely proud” of the way in which his staff responded.

“They were on the scene immediately and managed to very swiftly, professionally, and safely deal with the incident.

“We are all very relieved that there were no injuries to either the animals or people as a result of what happened this morning.”