National Zoo's Red Panda to Return to Exhibit

WHAT: Red panda Rusty—who temporarily left his enclosure at the Smithsonian's National Zoo June 24, 2013—will return to his exhibit tomorrow. Staff will move Rusty from the hospital into a behind-the-scenes holding area at his enclosure. Media will see Rusty transported in a crate. When staff determine he is ready, they will release him into the habitat (Note: This may take an hour or longer).

WHEN: Tuesday, July 9

9:00 a.m.

WHO: Don Moore, Associate Director of Animal Care, Smithsonian's National Zoo

WHERE: Red panda exhibit (adjacent to David M. Rubenstein Giant Panda Habitat)

3001 Connecticut Avenue N.W.

Note: Park in Bus Parking Lot near Panda Plaza