Earlier today, a small red panda escaped from her enclosure at the Belfast Zoo.
The Zoo tweeted frantically, asking for any locals to keep an eye out for the mischievous little gal. Apparently, red pandas are known troublemakers, but they’re not really the smartest.
This is the missing panda pic.twitter.com/EldWNydcjR
— Maria McCann (@BBCmariamc) January 27, 2019
Later on, Amber, the panda was found in a garden in Collinbridge, Newtownabbey, less than a mile from the zoo.
“We are pleased to report that Amber has been safely returned to Belfast Zoo after a short time exploring the local area,” said the zoo’s manager, Alyn Cairns.
While Amber is still a cub, she’s clearly hitting her rebellious teen phase. Born in June of 2018, Amber is almost fully grown now, but she’s still learning the ins and outs of zoo life.
We are happy to report that the missing red panda has been located and is being returned to its home at Belfast Zoo – thanks to everyone for their help with the search! pic.twitter.com/hHLcLmtDyv
— Belfast Zoo (@BelfastZoo) January 28, 2019
Red pandas are an endangered species, and the Belfast Zoo has a family of four in their care. Luckily, once Amber returned home, she was given a clean bill of health.
She escaped when the zoo experienced a power fault in the electric fence of the red panda habitat. Now, the furry little escape artists has been reunited with her twin sister, Autumn, and parents, Chris and Vixen.