Black panther that escaped on to rooftops is stolen from French zoo
Police say the animal's owner is wanted for owning a dangerous animal in a private residence.
Wednesday 25 September 2019 17:34, UK
A panther that escaped from its owner and went walkabout has been stolen from the French zoo where it was rehomed.
It escaped from its owner, a private individual, by slipping out of an open window.
The local fire brigade captured the panther and it was moved to Maubeuge zoo, in northeastern France.
But members of staff noticed it was missing when they arrived for work on Tuesday, saying that its pen had been forced open.
Police are looking at CCTV footage to see if they can discover how the panther was taken.
The animal caused panic when it first escaped after being spotted walking on rooftops in Armentieres, a town close to the Belgian border.
Its owner is wanted by police for keeping a dangerous animal in a private residence.
According to a local animal protection organisation, the panther is six months old and a female.