Staff at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium still searching for Kora, a red panda that disappeared from its habitat.
The small, nocturnal mammal is about the size of a raccoon, with a "long, fluffy striped tail." She was last seen in her Asia Quest habitat on Tuesday evening.
“Red pandas are excellent climbers and live in trees. They use natural shelters like tree hollows to den and sleep during the day,” the zoo said in a statement on Facebook.
Following strong overnight storms, the search had centered on bent or broken tree branches leading to public pathways.
Red panda Kora is still missing. We’re caring for her cubs, but really want her home. If you see a small red animal with a fluffy striped tail, please call us immediately at 614-582-1844. https://t.co/8d3WhPboqc pic.twitter.com/2U2TyRalWk
— Columbus Zoo (@ColumbusZoo) July 23, 2020
The zoo said the red panda does not pose a threat to the public, but other animals living nearby were brought indoors as a precaution to aid in the search.
Security camera footage has not yielded clues about her disappearance.
The zoo said the red panda recently gave birth to two cubs who are still nursing. Her care team believes the animal is "close by and that she may return on her own, due to her two cubs."
The zoo advised anyone who encounters the red panda not to approach it because the animal is "naturally shy and elusive," and could be frightened.
