Two lions on their way to an overseas facility caused a mild scare at Changi Airport on Sunday when they broke free of a container in which they were being transported, reports The Straits Times.

A stand-off broke out but eventually, the two lions were shot with a tranquiliser gun. They are currently recovering from sedation.

Singapore Airlines, which was handling the shipment, had called in the Mandai Wildlife Group’s veterinary and carnivore care teams to help with the problem.

It is not clear what country the cats arrived from and where they are headed. It is understood that there are seven lions in the shipment.

When asked by The Straits Times, SIA said the lions were within the safety netting installed around the container the whole time.

There was no disruption to the airline’s operations, said SIA.

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

“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.”