Red pandas escape zoo to nearby forest during snowfall

By Dean Murray

A zoo is celebrating after the return of a pair of cheeky red pandas that used a snowfall to escape.

Three-year-old females Li and Yen took advantage of plants that had bent over under the weight of snow at Walter Zoo in Gossau, Switzerland this month.

While Li lingered close by, her pal Yen wandered off to a nearby forest. Luckily, keepers were able to spot the panda among the trees and a safe capture was made.

Walter Zoo said: "Overnight, winter transformed Walter Zoo into a snowy landscape - around 30 cm of fresh snow fell. What looks beautiful was, for once, bad luck: some plants in our red panda enclosure have bent over, and our two red panda ladies have taken the opportunity to have an adventure.

"After noticing this, our zoo team immediately launched a search operation - the tracks in the snow gave the two runaways away. While Li made herself comfortable a few meters away from the enclosure with the vicuñas and ate in the branches, our Yen was more adventurous. Her tracks led us outside the zoo into the forest.

"With the help of a pedestrian and the team from K-9 Animal Search Switzerland, we finally discovered Yen - during a leisurely walk in the forest. After a short sprint, our animal keepers were able to catch her safely with a landing net and bring her back to the zoo.

"There, both cubs were thoroughly examined by our veterinary team and so they were able to have a quick medical check, which would have been due anyway. Back in their enclosure, the two are in great shape. Happy ending for everyone and a short adventure for our red pandas.

"Our staff are well prepared for such situations thanks to emergency drills that take place several times a year and act very thoughtfully, which is why the situation was quickly under control."