Dallas Zoo forced to close as escaped clouded leopard remains at large | US News
A Texas zoo has been forced to close after a clouded leopard named Nova escaped from its enclosure, with police joining in with the search.
Dallas Zoo officials stressed that the animal was not dangerous to humans and was likely to have climbed a tree, but cautioned locals to keep their pets inside.
The escapee is thought to be hiding somewhere in the grounds of the 106-acre zoo, the oldest and largest in Texas.
The zoo’s executive vice president of animal care and conservation, Harrison Edell, said the search for the elusive leopard was focused on trees, which the cats like to climb.
Clouded leopards are wild cats that originally come from Southeast Asia and China.
They weigh about 20-25lb (9-11kg), and Mr Edell said they pose no threat.
“If anything, she’s real nervous and afraid of people,” he added.
Mr Edell told ABC News that Nova was likely to have escaped through a tear in the mesh around the enclosure, where sister Luna remains.
The zoo’s latest appeal, labelling the incident a “Code Blue”, amassed hundreds of thousands of views on Twitter.
“Its habitat is a dense forest, and it is designed for life in the treetops,” the zoo tweeted.
“It is bigger than a house cat and smaller than most bobcats.
“If you think you see the animals, please do not approach the animal.”
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The zoo asked that if anyone saw Nova, “they should take a photo and DM us”.
“To set some minds at ease, if she has made her way off-grounds, this animal isn’t a greater risk for pets than animals native to North Texas that roam our neighbourhoods,” it added.
“But if you feel more comfortable bringing pets inside, please do.”
Nova isn’t the first escapee from the zoo.
In 2004, a 340lb (154kg) gorilla called Jabari jumped out of his enclosure and went on a rampage through the park, injuring three people before police shot and killed him.
