Cheetah tranquilized after escaping Indianapolis Zoo exhibit

INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 7 (UPI) -- The Indianapolis Zoo enforced a lockdown and had to tranquilize a cheetah that escaped from its exhibit early Sunday.

Pounce, a 4-year-old male cheetah, escaped from his enclosure and was located in a landscaped area between his exhibit and a public space. After a zoo veterinarian shot him with a tranquilizer dart about an hour after his escape, Pounce ran back to his exhibit and fell unconscious within three minutes.

A Code Red was issued at about 9:30 a.m. local time, meaning zoo visitors had to stay indoors for about an hour, zoo officials said. No people or animals were injured.

"We want to assure everyone that all of our guests and our staff staff are safe. All of our cheetahs are safe," the Indianapolis Zoo said in a statement. "Our cheetah exhibit will remain closed and animals will stay indoors while we conduct a review of the exhibit and make any necessary changes."

An investigation has been launched into how Pounce was able to escape. Cheetahs are known for their speed and for having a relatively tranquil, non-aggressive demeanor.

Pounce and Zephyr, his brother, came in July to the Indianapolis Zoo on loan from the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.