Buzz
Earlier today, the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., requested public assistance in finding Rusty, a red panda that had vanished. "If you happen to see Rusty," the Zoo tweeted, "please avoid approaching him. Maintain a safe distance where you can observe him and immediately notify the Zoo at 202.633.4888." While we await updates on Rusty, here are some fascinating tales of other animals that managed to escape.
1. Juan the Andean Bear Explores a Bike Shop
REUTERS/STR/Landov
Anyone familiar with jailbreak films understands that a getaway vehicle is essential. Even Juan, a bear, grasped this concept. In 2004, Juan, an Andean spectacled bear, executed a bold escape from the Berlin Zoo. He floated across a moat on a log, scaled a wall, and found himself at the zoo's playground. There, he startled parents, enjoyed the merry-go-round, and slid down the slide. After a brief play session, he wandered off. To recapture him, zookeepers placed a bicycle in his path. As Juan examined the bike—perhaps considering it for his escape—he was tranquilized and returned to his enclosure.
2. Fu Manchu, the Unstoppable Orangutan
While escape artists like David Blaine may amaze, orangutan Fu Manchu outshone them all. In 1968, Fu Manchu first escaped from Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo, leading keepers to believe his cage door was left open. After repeated escapes, zookeepers discovered a wire hidden in his mouth, which he used as a lock pick. Once the cage was stripped of wires, Fu Manchu's escapades ended.
3. Reggie, the Elusive Alligator
Reggie, an alligator, proved to be a challenge for city officials. Despite numerous attempts, including hiring professional wranglers, Reggie evaded capture for two years, costing $180,000. Finally caught, he was relocated to the L.A. Zoo. However, Reggie wasn't content; he escaped by scaling a five-foot wall and was later found relaxing on a loading dock.
4. Chucky's Great Escape
Reggie isn't the only alligator known for a dramatic getaway. In 2004, as Hurricane Ivan approached, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo evacuated most of its animals but left the alligators behind. The storm destroyed their enclosure, setting them free. Among the escapees, Chucky, a massive 12-foot, half-ton alligator, gained fame. Zoo officials feared his familiarity with humans might make him dangerous. After five days on the run, Chucky was captured by the Alligator Retrieval Team from Gatorland in Orlando, Florida.
5. Elephant Stampede in Seoul
[Image credit: Box of Jalapenos.]
In 2005, the Seoul Children's Grand Park hosted daily elephant parades outside their enclosure. One day, chaos erupted when an elephant got spooked and bolted, prompting five others to follow. The herd rampaged into a nearby garden, and while handlers attempted to control them, three elephants stormed into a restaurant. One even struck a woman with its trunk as it charged near an elementary school. After causing widespread panic, the elephants were eventually rounded up and returned to their habitat.
6. Wandering Bison
Where do bison roam? Anywhere they please. Weighing over a ton, these massive creatures are hard to stop once they decide to escape. Bison breakouts are surprisingly frequent and often end poorly for the animal. However, some escapes have happier outcomes. Nine bison once slipped past two gates at the Oakland Zoo and wandered off to feast on poison oak. Zookeepers attempted to lure them back with hay, but it didn't work. Finally, they succeeded by laying a trail of Wonder Bread, guiding the bison safely back to their enclosure.
7. The Bronx Zoo Cobra
Wildlife Conservation Society
