Sydney’s Taronga Zoo was placed into lockdown this morning after one lion and four cubs escaped their enclosure.

Construction work is underway at the Mosman premises, but it’s unclear how they managed to escape.

Taronga Park Zoo confirmed all guests and staff were moved to safe zones, and all of the lions were returned to their exhibit.

They were found outside their main enclosure around 6.30am.

The zoo said they were observed in a smaller area, adjacent to the main exhibit, where a six foot fence separates them from the rest of the zoo.

One lion cub had to be safely tranquilised.

A significant review will be undertaken.

• The unfolding situation played out on air on 2GB Radio, when a caller first reported the news

Police were called to the scene as a precaution.

The zoo will open as normal today.

Press PLAY below to hear Laurel, Gary and Mark explain the latest update

Taronga Zoo has confirmed to 9News that five lions were located outside their cage this morning. All guests and staff were moved to safe zones, with the animals being returned safely to their exhibit after that. The Zoo will be open as normal today.

— Mackenzie Price (@mackenziepricee) November 1, 2022

Image: Nine News