'Escaped' red panda found in Newquay

Police have helped with an unexpected rescue mission in Newquay, after a red panda 'escaped' from the local zoo.

Teams say the animal was found by a wholesale fruit market in the town.

In a tweet, Police Inspector Guy Blackford said: "Not often Newquay Police and Newquay Response get sent to an escaped Red panda from the local zoo which was found by Newquay Fruit Sales.

"Panda rescue is not a topic taught in police training yet!"

In a statement, Dave Folland, Head of Newquay Zoo said, “On Friday morning (26/05/23), a red panda called Sundara, who had arrived at Newquay Zoo earlier this month, escaped from her enclosure. Our team responded in accordance with well-practiced procedures and she was swiftly recaptured and returned to her home.”

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