XINING, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- An elderly snow leopard that escaped from its enclosure at a wildlife park in Xining, the capital of northwest China's Qinghai Province, early on Friday has been successfully located and rescued, according to park management.
Using drones and thermal imaging equipment, rescue workers conducted a thorough search over challenging terrain and in dense vegetation. The snow leopard, Naonao, was found within the park at 8:08 p.m. and is in good health. The park said that Naonao will undergo a comprehensive health examination.
Naonao was reported missing by park staff early on Friday morning, leading to an immediate emergency response and the closure of the park. Local emergency services, fire rescue, forestry and police departments joined the search operation.
The park has pledged to enhance its management protocols and the safety of its facilities, with plans to reopen set to be announced following an operational review.
Naonao is a 16-year-old female snow leopard, putting her equivalent human age at about 80. Snow leopards are a first-class protected species in China.
The Xining wildlife park is home to approximately 60 percent of China's publicly exhibited snow leopards, including three that were bred in captivity and others that have been rescued from the wild. Earlier this year, the park rescued two snow leopard cubs. ■
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