A CHIMPANZEE was shot dead yesterday after making a King Kong-style bid for freedom.

Witnesses said the adult female was killed at the top of a 60ft ride at the Flamingo Land zoo and entertainment park, near Malton, North Yorkshire.

The animal escaped from its enclosure at about 10.20am yesterday morning.

Police were called about an hour later and a search of the countryside around the zoo took place.

A police spokesman said: "The chimp escaped into thick fog, but was later found still in the zoo premises and shot by a zoo marksman. We had warned the public the chimp was potentially dangerous and should not be approached."

An 18-year-old animal management student on work experience at the park said: "I was in the canteen. There was a radio call saying stay inside, stay inside, there is a chimp on the loose.

"The chimp - I think she was called Mischa - had climbed to the top of the River Ride. She was right at the top of the ride when they shot her with two tranquilliser darts - but it only made her worse. People were pretty upset."

A spokesman for the attraction said: "The animal became extremely aggressive after having been tranquilised, resulting in a potentially dangerous situation for the personnel in attendance.

"As a consequence, the animal had to be destroyed at the scene. All the appropriate authorities have been informed and a full assessment is under way.

"No members of the public were in any danger."

The Captive Animals' Protection Society has called for an inquiry into the escape and shooting.

Scarborough animal rights campaigner Sue Stone said: "I'm disgusted. I don't believe they have the experience at the zoo for the animals they keep."