Bobcat's escape from Pennsylvania zoo enclosure caught on camera

Sept. 10 (UPI) -- About 2,000 visitors to a Pennsylvania zoo were ushered indoors when an 18-year-old bobcat escaped her enclosure through an opening at the top of her cage.

The Lehigh Valley Zoo in Schnecksville confirmed the bobcat, Shishka, was able to escape from the cage surrounding her enclosure Saturday and a "code red" was issued to usher all zoo guests to safe locations while staff worked to corral the escaped feline.

Footage captured by a witness to Shishka's escape shows the bobcat getting out through an opening at the top of the cage.

Lehigh Valley Zoo President and CEO Melissa Borland said Shishka was able to tear the hole between the top of the fence and a tree.

Shishka was on the loose for about an hour, but Borland said zoo staff had eyes on the animal during the entire incident and the public was never in any danger.

The bobcat was recaptured within 50 feet of the enclosure, the zoo said.

Shishka was not injured during the escape or capture.

"Shishka's exhibit will be undergoing a thorough inspection and safety check so we can have her back on exhibit as soon as possible," the zoo said in a Facebook post. "Lehigh Valley Zoo wants to thank our wonderful team members who sprang into action quickly and made our guests' safety a top priority. We also sincerely thank our zoo guests for their understanding and cooperation which helped bring the day to a safe and happy conclusion."

Zoo visitor Mary Lengle captured video of Borland addressing zoo guests indoors during the escape.

"This is a very odd occasion in which we would have an animal escape," Borland told the visitors.