Escaped Zoo Bobcat Inspires a 'Free Ollie' Campaign

WASHINGTON, DC -- Ollie the bobcat didn't spend much time on the lam after escaping the National Zoo recently, as she was found in the zoo's bird house not long after. Now, there's a movement to #FreeOllie from her confines, as many on social media expressed regret that the formerly free bobcat had been captured again.

The prospect of an uncaged Ollie roaming free in D.C. and Rock Creek Park inspired many across the country, and it all evaporated when she was scooped up on zoo grounds just two days after her dramatic escape. There's now a website devoted to her cause, describing her "51 glorious hours" of freedom as America cheered her on.

"#FreeOllie is a movement that reminds us that we can still come together towards a common cause," the site reads. "We are not anti-Zoo, we are simply supporting the agenda of togetherness and FREEDOM. Maybe, just maybe, we can reach a zookeeper on the inside who is a little loose with the gate latch. And maybe, just maybe Ollie will find Freedom once again."

The website offers t-shirts sporting Ollie's face with the hashtag #FreeOllie beneath. The site donates $1 for every shirt to the Rock Creek Conservancy.

The site's founder even had a brief rally outside of the zoo this past week.

Great turnout this morning. Really making a difference #FreeOllie https://t.co/IHnpyZ08ym pic.twitter.com/sEe8m6U9Am
— Free Ollie (@freeollie_today) February 8, 2017

Image via Free Ollie