A red panda’s escape from the Pu’er Sun-River Forest Park has prompted a prolonged search operation, now entering its fourth month. The park has announced monetary rewards to encourage local participation in the safe retrieval of this elusive and cherished animal.
The 5-year-old red panda managed to break free from its enclosure on August 20 and has since enjoyed an extended period of freedom within and around the scenic park. Park authorities, in a recent announcement, have declared a reward of 5,000 yuan for non-employee villagers or forest rangers who provide critical information or aid in capturing the panda. Similarly, employees of the park are eligible for a 3,000 yuan reward for their assistance.
The red panda, a species classified as a second-level protected animal in China, has been sighted several times since its escape. Notably, it was spotted near a local coffee factory by a forest ranger on November 13. Despite these sightings, the panda has evaded capture and has not returned to its designated exhibition area within the park.
Park officials have reassured the public that the red panda poses no threat to humans. They have advised that, for a safe capture, individuals who encounter the panda should attempt to lift its tail to temporarily restrain it and use a bag or basket for control. This guidance aims to ensure both the safety of the public and the wellbeing of the panda during any capture attempt.
A park employee, in a statement, described the escaped red panda as being in its adolescent phase and exhibiting playful behavior. The escape occurred when the panda took advantage of an open door in its exhibition area. Since its escape, park employees have noticed traces of the panda within the scenic area. However, the extensive size of the park has made capturing the animal a considerable challenge.
To facilitate the safe retrieval of the red panda, capture teams at the park have been using food-based lures. These efforts are part of a comprehensive strategy to ensure the animal’s return to its habitat in the park, where it can be cared for and protected.
The ongoing search for the red panda at Pu’er Sun-River Forest Park underscores the challenges of wildlife management and the importance of community engagement in conservation efforts. The park’s initiative to offer rewards is a step towards involving local residents and park employees in wildlife conservation, fostering a sense of shared responsibility for the protection of native species.
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