DALLAS, Texas – A clouded leopard that was captured after escaping its enclosure at the Dallas Zoo has reunited with her sister and received the all-clear from veterinary staff on Saturday, zoo officials said.
Nova was captured just before 5:15 p.m. Friday after leading zoo employees and Dallas police on a day-long search.
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Her disappearance prompted a temporary closure of the zoo as search crews canvassed the area. It wasn’t until the late afternoon hours that the 25-pound leopard was found on zoo grounds near her original habitat.
During a press conference late Friday, police said they believe the fence on Nova’s enclosure was “intentionally cut,” leading to her escape. Police have since launched a criminal investigation, but no arrests have yet been made.
The zoo reopened on Saturday to the public and employees said Nova was perched up on a high branch when she was greeted by visitors.
Nova “has settled right back into her routine,” according to zoo officials.
Clouded leopard Nova spent Saturday in the habitat with her sister Luna, perched up on a high branch while oh-so-many guests stopped by to wish her well. The vet & animal care teams say she shows no signs of injury and has settled right back into her routine today. #thankful
— Dallas Zoo (@DallasZoo) January 14, 2023
Anyone who may have more information on how Nova escaped her enclosure is urged to call 911.
We’ll bring more updates to this story as they become available.