COLUMBUS, Ohio — Update: The red panda has been found.
The Columbus Zoo is searching for a missing red panda.
The red panda was discovered missing from her habitat on Wednesday.
Zoo staff has been searching the dense vegetation in and around her habitat and throughout the zoo.
As an added precaution, other animals living nearby in Asia Quest habitats have been brought indoors so their habitats can be thoroughly searched, officials said.
Red pandas are excellent climbers and live in trees.
They use natural shelters like tree hollows to den and sleep during the day.
Officials have viewed the security camera footage but she has not been seen.
The red panda does not present a threat to the public, but the zoo is eager to locate her.
She is the recent mother of two cubs who are still nursing.
If anyone in the vicinity of the zoo spots a small red mammal approximately 19 pounds with a long, fluffy striped tail – likely in a tree – call the Columbus Zoo at 614-582-1844.
