Clouded Leopard Escapes Keepers at Point Defiance Zoo

Summary:

TACOMA, WA – Orchid escaped from her keepers after the carabiner between her leash and collar detached, zoo spokesperson Tessa Miller told The News Tribune. During the show, the clouded leopard was secured with a multipoint leash system, including two leashes and a third connection attached to a keeper as standard safety procedure, Miller said.

Something startled Orchid while she was on stage, causing her to move quickly and wrap one of her leashes underneath a log. The tension on her leash caused the carabiner to detach from the collar. Orchid then moved behind the theater and climbed a tree, where she remained for about two hours, Miller said.

After methods to coax her from the tree were unsuccessful, trained staff used a sedative dart to help the 34-pound cat fall into nets and blankets positioned below. Orchid has been at the zoo along with her brother Banyan since they were born in May 2015, according to the zoo’s website.

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