A cheetah at a Nebraska zoo escaped from its enclosure, forcing staff to activate “emergency protocols.”
Officials with Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium said there was never any risk to staff or visitors, but an investigation has been launched to determine how the big cat escaped.
The 5-year-old female cheetah named Gretchen found her way out of her enclosure sometime before 3:40 p.m. Tuesday. Zoo officials said the cheetah remained behind a barrier separating her from the public.
“The Zoo’s emergency protocols were immediately activated to ensure the safety of guests, students, animals and staff. Zoo guests, students and staff were immediately taken to secure locations,” the zoo posted on Facebook.
All zoo entry points, including the main entrance, were also closed.
Cheetah returned ‘without incident’
“Zoo staff had sight of the cheetah ‘during the entire incident’ and at one point, the cheetah laid down,” the post reads.
The cheetah responded to the animal care team and was taken back into its night quarters without incident, zoo officials said.
The zoo said it is investigating how the cheetah got out.
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Natalie Neysa Alund covers trending news for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on Twitter @nataliealund.
