INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 7 (UPI) — The Indianapolis Zoo enforced a lockdown and had to tranquilize a cheetah that escaped from its exhibit early Sunday.
Pounce, a 4-year-old male cheetah, escaped from his enclosure and was located in a landscaped area between his exhibit and a public space. After a zoo veterinarian shot him with a tranquilizer dart about an hour after his escape, Pounce ran back to his exhibit and fell unconscious within three minutes.
A Code Red was issued at about 9:30 a.m. local time, meaning zoo visitors had to stay indoors for about an hour, zoo officials said. No people or animals were injured.
An investigation has been launched into how Pounce was able to escape. Cheetahs are known for their speed and for having a relatively tranquil, non-aggressive demeanor.
Pounce and Zephyr, his brother, came in July to the Indianapolis Zoo on loan from the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.
