“An emergency situation occurred this morning at Taronga Zoo Sydney when five lions were located outside their enclosure,” the zoo said in a statement early on Wednesday.

The drama was resolved without injuries to guests or staff, however there was no indication of how the safety breach occurred or how the escapees were herded back into their enclosure.

“All animals are now in their exhibit where they are being closely monitored,” the statement said.

A “code one” was issued shortly after 7.30am – before any visitors had arrived – ordering staff to go to a safe haven.

Police were called and aerial footage showed keepers patrolling the grounds during the emergency.

The zoo says it has strict safety protocols for such an incident and everyone on site was moved to safe zones.

The zoo, at Mosman on the city’s north shore, is open as normal on Wednesday with bus loads of school children arriving for excursions.

Officials say more information explaining the drama will be provided when possible.

The harbourside zoo opened in 1916, stretches over 28 hectares and is home to more than 2600 animals.

-AAP