A clouded leopard briefly climbed a tree near the perimeter fence at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium on Friday, prompting temporary pathway closures as staff activated safety protocols.
According to a post on the zoo’s Facebook page, the incident happened during the 11:30 a.m. Wild Wonders Outdoor Theater show when Orchid, an 11-year-old clouded leopard, “did not return directly to her behind-the-scenes habitat and instead climbed a tree in an area behind the theater near the zoo’s perimeter fence.”
The zoo said it closed pathways in front of the theater and the Rocky Shores area “out of an abundance of caution” while animal care staff responded. “Safety protocols were immediately activated,” the zoo said, adding, “There is no danger to guests or staff at this time.”
In a 2:23 p.m. update, the zoo said Orchid “has been safely returned to her habitat, behind the scenes,” and that “the pathways are now open.” The zoo said no animals, guests, or staff were harmed.