A cheetah on loan from the San Diego Zoo Safari Park to the Indianapolis Zoo escaped Sunday, prompting the zoo to invoke a "Code Red" requiring all guests to remain inside.
Guests were herded into "safe zones." None were ever in danger, said a zoo spokeswoman.
Pounce, a 4-year-old male, was spotted within an hour lying in an area of lush landscaping. Trainers used a tranquilizer dart to subdue him. Hit with the dart, he dashed back to his exhibit and was unconscious within three minutes.
Pounce and his brother, Zephyr, came to the Indianapolis Zoo from San Diego in July.