“They led it to a sheltered housing complex across the road. Soon after, three police officers arrived who had no idea what to do – then the zoo staff arrived.
“They rounded it up – but the cute, cuddly red panda wasn’t so cute and cuddly when he was put in the back of a van,” Ms Craze said. “I am very proud of my staff. I doubt the panda would have lasted very long on the road – or if the seagulls had seen it.”
A company spokesman said staff distracted the red panda with an apple before cornering it. A zookeeper with a net eventually caught the animal.
Insp Guy Blackford posted online after the Friday morning incident: “It’s not often Newquay Police… are sent to an escaped red panda from the local zoo. Saving pandas is not yet a subject taught in police training!”
Newquay Zoo has been contacted for comment.
(TagsToTranslate)Devon & Police Cornwall
