Rusty back at the zoo. Photo from Smithsonian’s National Zoo.

Rusty having some water upon his return to the zoo. Photo from Smithsonian’s National Zoo.

The National Zoo held a press conference this afternoon to answer Washington’s, nay the world’s, burning questions about how their formerly missing red panda, Rusty, left the park.

Dr. Brandie Smith, the zoo’s senior curator of mammals, said Rusty is “doing well” after his Adams Morgan adventure, which began sometime after 6 p.m. Sunday. There is some concern over what the red panda, who joined the zoo on June 10, may have eaten during his escape.

All zoo officials who spoke said there’s no obvious point in the exhibit where Rusty could have escaped from. When asked by NBC’s Pat Collins if “foul play” is suspected, National Zoo director Dennis Kelly said they are looking into every aspect. Indeed, Kelly said there was no clear trail left behind, which is usually seen when animals escape.

Kelly pledged that the zoo will not let this happen again. He said Rusty will not be put back into the enclosure, located on the Asia Trail, until a full investigation is completed.

Zoo spokeswoman Pamela Baker-Masson praised the Twitter user who posted a photo of Rusty scurrying around near 20th and Biltmore Streets NW, which lead the his capture. The Washington Humane Society officers who assisted in the panda’s recovery were also given props.

As for Rusty, he was given water and ice cubes upon his return to the zoo, according to an official.

Filed Under: national zoo, red panda, rusty,