A criminal investigation has been opened by the Dallas Police, after determining the escape of a clouded leopard had been caused by an intentional cut in its mesh habitat.
According to the Dallas Zoo, the leopard had been reported missing from her habitat on Friday morning. The leopard, named Nova, prompted a Code Blue alert, indicating a non-dangerous animal was not in its enclosure. Nova was found later that afternoon – unharmed.
We are thrilled to report we located clouded leopard Nova on-grounds at the Zoo this afternoon at approximately 4:40 p.m. She was first seen veery near the original habitat, and teams were able to safely secure her just before 5:15 p.m. Initial indications are she is not injured. She is being evaluated by our veterinary staff right now. We’ll provide further updates on her status tomorrow.
Zoo announcement
Police have not expanded on their investigation. The zoo was closed on Friday as staff and officials searched for Nova.
Nova shares an enclosure with her sister Luna – both are about four years of age and arrived at the Dallas Zoo in 2021 after being transferred from the Houston Zoo. Clouded leopards weigh between 25-30 pounds and are not considered a threat to humans. Males can weigh up to 50 pounds.
According to the Smithsonian National Zoo, clouded leopards dwell in the cloud forests of Southeast Asia and are one of the most ancient cat species. They are neither a true great cat nor a true small cat, because they cannot roar or purr. Poaching and habitat loss threaten the species. In addition, they are one of the few animals—and one of only two cat species—that can climb down trees headfirst.
On Saturday, Nova and Luna drew quite a crowd at the zoo; everyone wanting to make sure the two were relaxing now back at their home.
Clouded leopard Nova spent all day Saturday in the habitat with her sister Luna, with Nova perched up on a high branch while oh-so-many guests stopped by to see her and wish her well. The veterinary team and Nova’s animal care team have all said she shows no signs of physical injury and has settled right back into her routine today.
We have had Conservation Interpreters from our staff onsite at the habitat all day on Saturday. We plan to have them in place again on Sunday, to help answer guests’ questions about Nova and the incident on Friday.
After what was a very long and emotional day yesterday, we were thrilled to see so many smiling faces today and answer questions about our girl Nova.
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