According to the Independence Police Department a mountain lion has escaped the Ralph Mitchell Zoo. Police Chief Jerry Harrison says people need to avoid the area around the zoo and Riverside Park. 

Harrison says if you see anything to not approach the animal but to immediately call the police department or sheriff's office and report it.

UPDATE: As of 12:40, the mountain lion has been tracked down according to the IPD. Police Chief Jerry Harrison said the lion was darted, recaptured, and returned to the zoo.