This photo provided by the Smithsonian's National Zoo shows Ollie, a female bobcat the the zoo. Ollie, who escaped from its enclosure at the National Zoo in Washington, is perfectly capable of surviving in the wild and would find plenty to eat in Rock Creek Park if it wanted to stay there, zoo officials said. The female bobcat, believed to be about 7 years old, was found to be missing Monday, Jan. 30, 2017, morning when it didn’t show up for breakfast. (Barbara Statas/Smithsonian's National Zoo via AP) (The Associated Press)
WASHINGTON – The National Zoo is suspending its search from a bobcat that escaped from its enclosure.
The female bobcat known as Ollie was found to be missing on Monday morning. Bobcats are native to much of North America, including the greater Washington area, and zoo officials say Ollie is likely to thrive in the wild. The zoo is surrounded by Rock Creek Park, which is home to rats, squirrels, mice, chipmunks and small birds, all of which could be prey for a bobcat.
Craig Saffoe, the zoo's curator of great cats, told reporters Wednesday that the zoo doesn't have the staff to continue canvassing neighborhoods for Ollie. He encouraged residents to keep calling the zoo if they spot the bobcat and says the zoo will continue to respond to credible tips.
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