Dallas Zoo closes after Clouded Leopard goes missing

@DallasZoo

A spooky situation unfolds at the Dallas Zoo as a clouded leopard goes missing and authorities are desperate to find it before dark.

The zoo's official Twitter account made the announcement on Friday afternoon, saying, "The zoo is closed today due to a serious situation." They continued to explain that the leopard was not in its habitat when the team arrived this morning and is currently nowhere to be found."

The account noted that the 25-pound leopard, believed to be named Nova, was a "non-dangerous animal", but still advised people who might encounter the animal not to approach it if they see him outside the zoo walls.

The zoo says these clouded leopards are designed to live high in the treetops, inside dense forests, and don't pose a great risk to pets...but say anyway that anyone who feels uncomfortable should bring their pets inside anyway.

Zookeepers say their main focus right now is getting Nova home...and are asking anyone who spots a similar animal to DM her a photo.

Originally posted -- 3:18 PM PT