Raccoon found ‘no worse than worse for wear’, but search for trio still continues

One of four raccoons that went missing from an Isle of Wight zoo has been found “in worse shape”.

Four female raccoons escaped from their camp at the Amazon World Zoo Park in Sandown on Friday morning.

One of them was caught around 11pm on Friday in Newchurch, near the zoo, while the other two were spotted on the zoo grounds but are still at large.

Attraction staff worked through the night using tracking dogs and drones but said they had to scale back the search.

They plan to regroup on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. to continue hunting nocturnal animals.

Rachel Patrick, the zoo’s chief keeper, said the rescued raccoon appeared calm and was eating.

“The raccoon we caught last night appears to be just as worn out, eating and calm,” Ms Patrick told the PA news agency.

“We are still looking for three women. (The two) were last seen at 7 a.m. at the zoo, so we’re hoping they’re still here.

“We didn’t see the third one ourselves.”

She asked members of the public to remain vigilant, “especially from 4.30pm and throughout the night”.

She added: “Check your gardens, trees, hedges and sheds in the same way you would if you were looking for a lost cat or dog.

“Please do not approach animals. They’re not usually aggressive, but they will be scared.”

The zoo has asked anyone who spots the raccoons to take a photo if it is safe to do so, and to send any reports to the raccoon hotline by phone, text or WhatsApp on 07956 194981.