Cornwall residents were on alert this week following the sighting of a raccoon roaming freely in a garden in the Gwennap area. The exotic animal, native to North America, prompted an urgent search by the RSPCA and relevant agencies. This incident follows closely on the heels of another unusual escape, that of a flamingo named Frankie, who was discovered in France.
Raccoon Sighting and Rescue
The raccoon was first spotted in a residential garden, with footage shared by a local resident showing the creature exploring the patio. The RSPCA Cornwall branch issued a public awareness notice, urging anyone who could safely secure the animal to contact them. Local zoos and wildlife parks confirmed their own raccoons were accounted for, suggesting the escaped animal may have been a pet. Fortunately, the raccoon was later located in a nearby greenhouse and was collected by the RSPCA with the assistance of a vet.
A Month of Escaped Exotics
This is not the first time this month that Cornwall has seen an exotic animal on the loose. Frankie the flamingo, a four-month-old bird from Paradise Park in Hayle, made headlines after escaping the wildlife park. Despite having her feathers clipped, Frankie managed to travel a considerable distance, eventually being spotted on the coast of Brittany, France. Keepers at Paradise Park have decided not to attempt to retrieve Frankie, opting instead to let her live freely in her new French habitat, citing the logistical complexities of her return.
Key Takeaways
- A raccoon was spotted and safely rescued in the Gwennap area of Cornwall.
- The incident occurred shortly after a flamingo named Frankie escaped from Paradise Park and was found in France.
- Local wildlife facilities confirmed their raccoons were secure, indicating the escaped animal may have been a pet.
- Paradise Park will not attempt to bring Frankie the flamingo back from France.
Sources
- Raccoon on the loose spotted in Cornwall garden, The Independent.
- Raccoon becomes latest exotic animal to escape in Cornwall, Cornwall Live.
- Raccoon on the loose in Cornwall as urgent search launched, Devon Live.
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Raccoon Causes Stir in Cornwall Following Flamingo’s French Adventure