Update: From Cougar Mountain Zoo: "Just before midnight last night, Alice — our curious East African crowned crane — was safely recovered and brought back to the zoo after a brief solo adventure. Around 9 PM, a kind resident on Lake Sammamish spotted her in their yard along the waterfront and quickly reached out. Our team was nearby, got eyes on her, and waited for additional staff and volunteers to assist. At 11:57 PM, Alice was gently and safely retrieved without incident. She is now back at the zoo, under the supervision of our staff and veterinarian, and will be closely monitored after her journey. Hatter, her boyfriend, is happy to have her back by his side! We’re incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support from our amazing community. Your sightings and positivity helped us stay focused in the right area and wait for the perfect opportunity. A special thank you to Chuck and Claudia for your quick report and warm hospitality — your help made all the difference. Thank you to Regional Animal Services of King County for passing along the additional call from Claudia and Chuck and coordinating Corporal Carlson And thank you to the local news outlets for helping to spread the word and keep those sightings coming."
Another zoo animal is on the run in Washington, but this time it isn’t a zebra.
An endangered East African crowned crane escaped the Cougar Mountain Zoo in Issaquah, the zoo said in a May 21 Facebook post.
The young female bird has been gone for days, and no one can seem to catch her.
She was spotted at Lake Sammamish State Park the same day she sneaked out, the zoo said in another Facebook post.
Zoo officials said she was at the park hanging out with great blue herons, which she is being mistaken for.
More recently, the zoo said she was seen at about 10:15 a.m. May 23 on Peregrine Point Way and southeast 42nd Street, near the state park’s boat launch.
The zoo is working to catch the bird and advises anyone who spots her to not approach her.
Anyone who sees her can call the zoo at 206-641-1554.
“Seems like the great escape has been working out just fine,” someone commented on Facebook.
“Heaven forbid a girl have hobbies. But seriously, I hope she returns to her home soon!” someone else wrote.
“It’s the zebra all over again!” another person said.
Last year in April, four Zebras were on the loose after fleeing from a trailer in the North Bend area, The News Tribune in Tacoma reported.
Three Zebras were caught the same day, except for Shug.
He roamed free for nearly a week, becoming a “social media sensation,” the news outlet reported.
Issaquah is about a 20-mile drive southeast from Seattle.
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