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Zoo: 'We'll never know 100%' how cheetah escaped

Posted at 9:55 PM, Sep 25, 2015
and last updated 2015-09-25 21:55:13-04

How did "Pounce" the cheetah escape from its enclosure at the Indianapolis Zoo? We may never know, according to zoo officials.

The cheetah broke out of its exhibit Sept. 6, prompting a Code Red alert and temporary lockdown of zoo facilities.

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Zoo staff eventually tranquilized the cheetah and returned it to its holding area. No animal or human injuries were reported as a result of the escape.

On Friday, zoo officials said even weeks later they still weren't sure exactly how the escape occurred.

"Since we don't have a witness or video, we will never know 100 percent how Pounce got out," zoo spokeswoman Carla Knapp said in an email. "However, our staff has reviewed the cheetah exhibit and we are currently assessing possible modifications. The cheetahs will remain in their behind-the-scenes area until we're certain the issues that led to this incident have been resolved."

Pounce is one of two brother cheetahs that came to Indianapolis from the San Diego zoo in August.