Dhaka: Two lions on their way to an overseas destination escaped from their container at Singapore’s Changi Airport on December 12. One lion even climbed on top of its container at one point.

However, the two lions were eventually shot with a tranquillizer gun and brought down. Now they are recovering from sedation under the care of the Mandai Wildlife Group, according to reports.

Singapore Airlines called in the group's veterinary and carnivore care teams following the encounter with the shipment problem. Reports added there were a total of seven lions in the shipment.

SIA said there was no disruption to the airline's operations due to this incident. The lions were quickly contained The lions were within the safety netting installed around the container the entire time, SIA said.

A Mandai Wildlife Group spokesman said that the lions needed to be sedated so that they could be transported to its animal quarantine facility in Mandai.

"The lions are being monitored. They will remain in our care for the time being and we remain in close contact with SIA on the matter," he added.