#Search underway for red panda missing from Ohio zoo: officials

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A 2-year old female red panda, named Kora
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Zookeepers in Ohio are searching for a red panda Thursday after the animal apparently escaped from her habitat, officials said.

The animal — a 19-pound, 2-year-old female named Kora, according to the Columbus Dispatch — vanished Wednesday from her Asia Quest habitat at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, zoo officials said.

“The animal does not present a threat, but the zoo is eager is locate her,” the zoo said in a Facebook post. “She is the recent mother of two cubs who are still nursing.”

Zoo officials believe the non-threatening animal about the size of a raccoon is “likely close by” and may return on her own accord due to her two young offspring.

An extensive search was being conducted in dense vegetation in and around the zoo’s natural habitat for Kora, as red pandas are “excellent climbers” who live in trees.

“Footage from the den camera and security cameras located [throughout] the facility are being evaluated by staff, but so far, there have been no sightings or strong evidence of how she went missing,” the zoo’s statement continued.

Anyone who sees Kora – likely in a tree, with a long fluffy, striped tail — should not try to approach the animal, but should contact zoo officials at (614) 582-1844.