Red panda escapes from Belfast Zoo sparking major search

A Red Panda is missing from Belfast Zoo
AFP/Getty Images
Hatty Collier28 January 2019

A red panda has gone missing from Belfast Zoo, police said.

Officers in the Northern Ireland capital said the animal went missing on Sunday and was "believed to be currently taking in the sights of beautiful Glengormley".

The red panda is not aggressive but may become defensive when cornered, and police are asking people not to approach or attempt to capture the animal.

Police said: "Our curious friend has not yet learned the green cross code, so if motorists could also be vigilant!"

Police said on Monday that the red panda had gone missing
EPA

Two panda cubs were born at the zoo in June last year but only started to venture outside towards the end of 2018.

According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, the red panda is facing a very high risk of extinction.

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