Japan zoo rehearses escape drill - with man dressed in leopard print onesie

When a zoo in Tokyo staged an escape drill in case one of the animals escaped, this probably wasn't what most people would have in mind.

Instead of a real-life snow leopard, staff were faced with the terrifying prospect of catching - a man dressed in a leopard print onesie.

As the 'snow leopard' runs amok round the zoo - much to the bemusement of visitors - staff put nets up to try and fence it in.

Some staff stop to help when one staff member gets 'attacked' but once the others have the 'animal' surrounded, a zoo keeper shoots a tranquilizer dart at it.

The wounded snow leopard then limps to the ground and staff make sure it is sedated by poking its head with a stick.

But who was really under there all along?

Yukata Funda, director of the Tama Zoological Park said afterwards: "We focused on making this drill as realistic as possible. One of our staff being knocked down and injured was a part of that."

Toshiya Nomura, who played the snow leopard, said: "Personally, I feel like I did my best but it didn't work for kids. I'm a bit disappointed."

Watch the video in full below: