A Thai zoo used a furry fake monkey mascot during an animal escape drill.

The bizarre practice session was performed so that zookeepers and staff at the Chiang Mai Zoo could prepare for animals escaping from their enclosures.

As the staff followed the protocol on what to do, a giant orangutan mascot was seen walking around the zoo and simulating the movements of a real animal on September 1.

Zoo director Wuttichai Muangman said: ‘We did the drill so that everyone would know what to do in case of these emergency scenarios. It also helped prepare our staff for such situations.

‘Aside from the alert staff, a team of experienced vets and an ambulance would be ready in case it happens in our zoo. It was a productive activity.

The zoo had already opened its doors to tourists but due to travel restrictions, the number of visitors they receive was still low compared to pre-pandemic levels.