Community Corner

Panda Got Hungry Before Walkabout

Zoo staff believe Rusty the red panda likely used sagging trees to escape his enclosure.

By Georgetown Patch Local Editor Shaun Courtney

Some tempting nearby bamboo is likely what lured Rusty, the Smithsonian National Zoo's red panda, out of his enclosure last Monday, June 24. With the help of some low-hanging trees, the panda saw his chance and took it. 

(Rusty was captured that Monday afternoon near Adams Morgan, Georgetown Patch reported.)

According to the latest update on the Smithsonian Zoo website:

"Rain last Sunday morning June 23 lowered the limbs of the trees in the red panda exhibit, shortening the distance between the trees and the edge of the enclosure. The rain also caused the tall bamboo on the exterior perimeter of the exhibit to bend over into the animal enclosure area, effectively creating a bridge. Because of his climbing ability and agility, it is likely that Rusty was able to traverse out of the exhibit due to the bridge created by overlapping tree limbs and bamboo."

Some tasty (for pandas) black bamboo was growing nearby Rusty's enclosure and zoo staff suspect that might have been what prompted Rusty to step out of his normal environs. He wanted a snack. 

To ensure the little guy does not decide to go out for a midnight snack again, zoo staff have made several changes near Rusty's cage:

"All the trees in the enclosure have been trimmed. All bamboo within five feet of the red panda exhibit will be cut or transplanted before Rusty returns to the exhibit. All hotwire lines throughout the enclosure will be assessed, tightened, and if necessary, repaired or upgraded. All plantings around the enclosure will be re-trimmed and kept [at a] safe distance away from hotwires. An additional barrier will be added to the upper portion of the exhibit where plantings are currently, to create an additional 30 inches of bamboo- and tree-free space."

There you have it. Rusty got hungry and then decided he wanted a beer and some jumbo slice to wash down his bamboo. 


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