An escaped red panda that managed to evade authorities for two days has been caught and returned to Adelaide Zoo.
The seven-year-old panda, named Ravi, escaped from its enclosure in Adelaide Zoo, in the city's CBD, on Friday, August 12.
He was finally located in a fig tree at the neighbouring Adelaide Botanic Garden on Sunday.
Zoo keepers spent hours trying to entice the panda down the tree with food such as bamboo and sweet corn - but had no luck.
Eventually, the zoo keepers resorted to tranquilising the red panda using a dart gun.
The moment the panda fell out of the tree and was caught by keepers holding blankets was captured on camera.
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An Adelaide Zoo spokesperson said Ravi did not suffer any injuries from the fall and was fully examined at the zoo's animal health centre.
"He is eating well and gradually getting back to himself," she said.
It is unclear how exactly Ravi managed to escape his enclosure and enter the Botanic Gardens.
"Red pandas are master climbers and while we take every effort to provide a secure area, the combination of panda prowess coupled with the weather helped him to go on an adventure," the zoo spokesman said.
Adelaide Zoo is expected to launch a full investigation into how Ravi managed to escape his enclosure in the coming days, including a review of CCTV footage.
As for what's next for Ravi, he is expected to mate with the zoo's only other red panda, a female named Mishry, who lives in a seperate enclosure.
Shivé Prema
I am a video journalist and host of the Newcastle Herald TikTok account! I spend most of my days filming and editing videos but also like to write articles as well. I'm new to Newcastle, so I like to spend my spare time exploring this city and its many beaches.
I am a video journalist and host of the Newcastle Herald TikTok account! I spend most of my days filming and editing videos but also like to write articles as well. I'm new to Newcastle, so I like to spend my spare time exploring this city and its many beaches.
