All’s well for Rusty, the red panda who set the Internet abuzz on June 24 when he escaped his exhibit at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington D.C. On Tuesday, zookeepers returned the healthy runaway panda to his enclosure, where he soon went back to munching on fruit and bamboo and getting reacquainted with his old roommate Shama. Following his capture, the staff kept Rusty in the zoo’s vet hospital, followed by a “temporary holding enclosure,” where he remained until his release yesterday.” – Today.com

If you’re not happy that Rusty the red panda has been found and returned then you have no heart. He just looks like a panda I’d want to have a few beers with on a rainy day. Although I have to say, it’s kind of confusing that Rusty lives at the Smithsonian. I was just there with funky butt Matt, and I don’t remember seeing any live animals. Now I’m kind of upset I never got to see Rusty. Either way, I’m glad Rusty is home. Nothing better than a heartwarming panda story to start your day. Stories like this support my long standing theory that people care more about animals than they do humans, and quite frankly, I feel the same way. If Hank the janitor ran away nobody would give a shit, but if they never found Rusty, I don’t know if I’d have the strength to go on. Stay strong Rusty. Our hopes and dreams live on with you.

– Ryan