A baby wallaby has escaped from a Lincolnshire petting farm and was last seen hopping towards woodland near the village of Lound.
The seven-month-old joey, called Ant, went missing from the Tiny Steps Petting Farm in the village of Thurlby near the market town of Bourne in Lincolnshire sometime between Tuesday night and the early hours of Wednesday, and was last seen hopping near the village of Lound.
The young wallaby, a smaller cousin of the kangaroo, is “skittish”, so it is likely it will hop away if anyone approaches it, according to the petting farm.
Farm staff believe Ant is trying to make it to Bourne Wood, but they hope to corner the animal before it can reach there, adding that it could be mistaken for a deer due to its colour and size, but can be recognised by its distinctive hopping movement.
The petting farm informed the local authorities of the escaped wallaby, and urged anyone who spots it to call farm staff immediately on 07985 421276.
(@TinyStepsPettingFarm/Newsflash)
Tiny Steps Petting Farm, which opened in April 2021, also launched an appeal on Facebook on 5th January.
At 9.40am, staff said: “Alert. Ant our wallaby is missing. Please get in touch if you see him. Police have been informed.”
Later that day, the petting farm posted an update along with a photo of the missing joey, saying: “We were notified by a lady earlier this evening that a Wallaby was seen at Carlby, heading towards Stamford. If you live out that way, or travel on the 6121, please look out for something hopping along the verges! Thanks.
“MISSING! Young male Wallaby, escaped during the early hours of this morning. Sightings from Swallow Hill/Manthorpe/Lound.
“We have reported sightings near Lound, so he may be heading toward wooded areas. Please keep a look out if you are walking your dog along any public footpaths or in the woods.
“Our vet is on standby to dart him if spotted.”
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Story By: Lee Bullen, Sub-Editor: William McGee,  Agency: Newsflash
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