Columbus Zoo is searching for a missing red panda

Jim Woods
This is a picture Kora, the 2-year-old red panda missing from the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. (Columbus Zoo and Aquarium photo).

A red panda is on the loose after apparently escaping from her habitat at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.

No threat is posed by the small animal, which weighs 19 pounds and is about the size of a raccoon. The 2-year-old female red panda, named Kora, also strongly resembles a raccoon.

The nocturnal animal was last spotted on the evening of July 21 in her Asia Quest habitat and was discovered missing Wednesday.

An extensive search is being done of the dense vegetation in and around the habitat and throughout the zoo grounds.

Other animals living nearby within the Asia Quest habitats have been brought indoors to allow for a more intensive search by zoo personnel.

Red pandas are known for their climbing abilities and live in trees. They find tree hollows to sleep in during daylight.

The strong storms overnight Tuesday into Wednesday might have caused tree branches to bend, leading to a path of escape, according to zoo officials.

Zoo personnel are reviewing video footage for clues and are anxious to locate Kora.

Kore recently gave birth to two cubs who are still nursing. The zoo’s animal care team believes she is nearby and might return because of her cubs. Zoo officials said Thursday they were monitoring the cubs and feeding them a specialized formula.

Anyone who spots the red animal is asked to contact the zoo’s security dispatch at 614-582-1844.

Dispatch Reporter Briah Lumpkins contributed to this story.