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Crane Escaped from Washington Zoo

Incident Date:
05/21/2025
Location:
Issaquah, WA - USA
Facility Name:
Cougar Mountain Zoo
Facility Type:
Non-accredited Facility (RSZ)
Incident Category:
Escape of animal (EA)
Species:
Other
Animal:
Crowned Crane
Animal disposition:
Recaptured

Summary:

ISSAQUAH, WA – An East African crowned crane that escaped from a Washington state zoo was found days after being on the loose, strolling on the town streets, and hanging with a group of “blue herons,” officials said. Cougar Mountain Zoo officials documented “Alice’s” adventures on social media.

Alice made her way outside the zoo grounds on May 21 and was last seen at Lake Sammamish State Park. That day, zoo officials posted: “Our team has eyes on her at Lake Sammamish State Park. If you see her, do not approach.” After several other sightings, on Friday evening, a community resident called to report that the crane was spotted “at a home near Peregrine Point.” Then, a resident on Lake Sammamish spotted Alice in their yard along the waterfront and quickly reached out to the zoo. The zoo told CBS News that their team was nearby, and additional staff and volunteers came to help retrieve the bird. Luckily, Alice was retrieved without incident.

Action take by Born Free USA:

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