Bobcat Escapes From National Zoo In DC, Sends Authorities Scrambling

WASHINGTON, DC — A bobcat named Ollie has escaped from her enclosure at the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, D.C., and authorities are asking for the public's help in tracking her down.

The bobcat weighs about 25 pounds and was last seen at around 7:30 a.m. on Monday morning by a keeper, according to a statement posted on the Zoo's website.

"Keepers do routine checks of all animals at the Zoo first thing in the morning," the statement notes. "At 10:40 a.m. keepers called the bobcats for their morning feeding and Ollie did not respond. Animal Care staff conducted an immediate search and have not located the bobcat."

Animal Care staff are trying to attract Ollie back to her enclosure, and officials hope that she'll return to familiar grounds for food and shelter. To allow the bobcat to stay hidden from humans and thus increase her chances of returning, the staff is shutting down the area around the bobcat enclosure.

It's the second time an animal has escaped a zoo in the region this month. About a week ago, a red panda escaped from the Virginia Zoo in Norfolk, Virginia.

Image via National Zoo