Fluffy

The Durham zoo's dangerous spotted leopard, Fluffy, was reported missing this morning, leaving the town in a panic and officials scrambling to locate her.

The gates were closed and visitors being forced out of the zoo, police and zoo workers were carrying high-powered rifles, while some nervously fingering their holster pistols.

“When we opened the zoo at 7:30 this morning and began feeding the animals, we immediately noticed Fluffy was missing,” said director of the zoo Gerry Durrell.
Durrell said that they have no idea of what time Fluffy escaped or where she could have gone. “We love that cat, and we don’t want to lose her,” he said with tears in his eyes as he exited the conference.

Despite the love for the leopard, Fluffy is extremely dangerous, according to the zoo’s chief biologist, Kitty Smith.

“These leopards were driven to the brink of extinction in Romania because of their appetite for young children,” she said.

Police Chief, William Blair, said he will do everything possible to find Fluffy before dark. “ These cats are nearly impossible to find in the dark,” he said. “They can see everything, and we are blind.” If at all possible Fluffy will be shot with a tranquilizer gun. “If necessary, we will shoot to kill,” said Blair.

The surrounding area is of most concern because it is not only residential, but includes an elementary school.

“We urge anyone who encounters Fluffy to get slowly on the ground and lay still,” said Smith.

A local man who visits Fluffy everyday when the zoo opens noticed something different right away. “Everything seemed normal, until I got to the cage,” said James Petronkis. “Then I knew something was wrong right away.”

After getting the guards attention to check Fluffy’s cage, Petronkis said all hell broke loose.

“We miss Fluffy and we want her back, safe and sound,” said Smith battling through tears.