Columbus Zoo searching for missing red panda, a recent mother of two cubs

(Columbus Zoo)

Staff at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium were searching dense vegetation within the complex for a red panda that disappeared from its habitat.

The small nocturnal mammal, which is about the size of a raccoon, was last seen in her Asia Quest habitat on Tuesday evening.

“Red pandas are excellent climbers and live in trees,” the zoo said in a statement on Facebook. Following strong overnight storms, the search had centered on bent or broken tree branches leading to public pathways.

The zoo said the red panda does not pose a threat to the public, but other animals living nearby were brought indoors as a precaution to aid in the search.

“Footage from the den camera and security cameras located through the facility are being evaluated by staff, but so far, there have been no sightings or strong evidence of how she went missing,” the zoo explained.

The zoo said the red panda recently gave birth to two cubs who are still nursing. The care team is prepared to feed the cubs specialized formula if necessary.

The zoo believes the animal is “close by and that she may return on her own, due to her two cubs.”

The zoo advised anyone who encounters the red panda -- which weighs approximately 19 pounds and has a long, fluffy striped tail -- not to approach it because the animal could be frightened.