Police warn of ‘horned beast’ on the loose from zoo
POLICE issued a safety warning over an escaped “horned beast” after an endangered goat-antelope broke free from its enclosure at a Devon zoo.
Members of the public were warned to remain vigilant yesterday after the West Caucasian tur jumped a fence at Paignton Zoo before running into nearby woodland.
Staff contacted Devon and Cornwall police who launched a search for the animal using a drone fitted with thermal imaging technology. Vets were also scrambled to the area armed with dart guns.
The mountain-dwelling creature is not one of the site’s most dangerous animals and is more likely to run away from people than approach them, the zoo said.
Phil Knowling, a spokesman from Paignton Zoo said: “Our main concern now is that the animal is safe and well.”
A police spokesman added: “As you can see it is a horned beast and could be a danger to the public if startled.
“If you see the tur, please make no efforts to corner it and call police immediately on 999.”