Man rescued from Munich zoo bison enclosure after shoe mishap

A man searching for a lost shoe accidentally ended up inside a bison enclosure at the Munich Zoo — and then found himself unable to get back out again.

When the 23-year-old realized his hopeless situation on Sunday evening, he called emergency services and retreated behind an electric fence while waiting for help, according to police.

Officers found the man inside the animal pen and, together with zoo staff, managed to get him out safely.

The incident apparently began after the man accidentally tossed his shoe over a fence and then attempted to retrieve it, police said on Monday.

The man suffered minor abrasions and a head injury during his unintended stay with the bisons and was taken to hospital for further treatment.

Police said the operation passed calmly for the bisons. The missing shoe was successfully recovered.