Hybrid bear shot dead after escaping German zoo enclosure

A hybrid bear has been shot dead after escaping its enclosure at a northern German zoo.

The bear was shot by Zoo Osnabruck personnel and all visitors were temporarily evacuated during the incident yesterday, German news agency dpa reported. 

"We reacted immediately with our team, and in order to protect the visitors, we had to shoot him," zoo head Andreas Busemann said.

Busemann said the bear, called Taps, was one of the zoo's favourite attractions - a so-called cappuccino bear bred from polar bear and brown bear parents.

He said it was not clear how the animal had managed to escape from the compound, but that police were investigating.

The zoo has since posted a tribute to Taps on its Facebook page. 

"Today was a sad day... We mourn the passing of one of our favorite zoo residents," the post read.

"We ask for your understanding that, for more information, we still need some time. We will keep you up to date will inform you as soon as possible."

With Associated Press.