Wild animals have run of Hartsfield

A Delta baggage worker got a bit of a fright the day before Halloween when she opened the door of a cargo bin to find a live cheetah running loose inside. Delta spokeswoman Betsy Talton said Friday that two cheetahs were being transported in the cargo area of a passenger flight from Portland, Ore. to Atlanta Thursday when one escaped from its cage. Talton said the airline contacted Zoo Atlanta, which quickly sent help. She said zoo staff tranquilized the animals and took them to the zoo, where they were still being held Friday afternoon. Talton said the airline was working with the owner of the cheetahs to get the big cats back to them. She declined to identify the owners, citing customer privacy rules. Talton said the cheetah did not damage any luggage.

(Associated Press)