THE DAILY WIRE · WASHINGTON, USA · 2026-09-12
Point Defiance Zoo's Clouded Leopard Takes an Unscheduled Field Trip
A clouded leopard slipped past its keepers at Point Defiance Zoo this week in what this reporter can only classify, in the sober language of the field, as a jailbreak.
The Tacoma News Tribune reports the animal escaped during a keeper interaction and was recaptured, with zoo operations resuming shortly after. Officials have not released a full timeline of the pursuit, though this reporter assumes it involved tranquilizers, radios, and at least one very bad afternoon for whoever was holding the leash.
No visitors or staff were harmed, which is the only acceptable outcome when a spotted apex predator briefly reconsiders its life choices in a public zoo.
This reporter reached Skipper, a harbor seal stationed in the adjacent waters of Puget Sound, for an outside perspective on captive escape artistry generally. His account of events differs from the official record.
The leopard is back behind reinforced glass. The keepers, this reporter understands, are updating their paperwork. Spun and done.
“Nothing personal, but a cat getting past two keepers isn't news to me, I've slipped past a marina full of fishermen holding actual nets. Cats and seals both know the same trick: act cute, move fast.” — Skipper, harbor seal
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