Photo: Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium
(Omaha, NE) -- A cheetah at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium gets out of its primary enclosure.
Around 3:40 Tuesday afternoon, Zoo officials say they were alerted of a cheetah outside of its primary enclosure, but behind the public barrier, in the Scott African Grasslands. The Zoo says its 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. All Zoo entry points, including the main entrance, were also closed.
The zoo says staff had sight of the cheetah during the entire incident and at one point, the cheetah laid down. The cheetah responded to the animal care team and was walked back into its night quarters without incident or intervention. The Zoo says it is currently investigating how the cheetah got out of its primary enclosure.
Gretchen is an approximately 60-pound, 5-year-old female cheetah born at the Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park. She lives in the Scott African Grasslands with her mother and three sisters.
“The health and safety of our staff, guests and animals is of the utmost priority to Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. No person or animal was ever in danger during this incident,” said Dr. Luis Padilla, president and CEO for Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. “This is why we prepare with emergency drills so that our staff can act quickly, confidently and safely.”