Story by Shelby Oshel
Image Courtesy of Ralph Mitchell Zoo
The Ralph Mitchell Zoo located in Independence, Kansas, experienced quite the shock on September 30th when it was brought to the attention of the staff that their ten-year-old mountain lion, Tink, had escaped from her enclosure at approximately 9:30 a.m.
Staff members immediately evacuated the zoo and informed local law enforcement of the escape. The City of Independence placed the zoo on lockdown and had entrances barricaded until the cat was located.
Riverside Park and Zoo director Barb Beurskens stated that a sandstone rock formation had crumbled within the enclosure, which created the opening by which Tink escaped.
At approximately 12:30 p.m., Tink was located less than 300 feet from her enclosure and promptly tranquilized by the zoo veterinarian. After being examined, Tink was secured in her indoor holding facility, where the cat would be kept until facility assessments and proper repairs are made to her outdoor enclosure.