RSPCA jumps to the rescue of escaped wallaby

25.11.11

We bounced into action last weekend to help rescue a wallaby who had escaped from her owner's home in the village of Isleham in Cambridgeshire.

Our officers were called out on Sunday, 20 November after the owner spotted the red-necked wallaby called Sheila had escaped from her enclosure.

Although she had not ventured too far, she was running loose in nearby fields, and her owner was unable to catch her and bring her back home.

Wallabies can cover the ground exceptionally quickly and can reach speeds of up to 30mph.

After desperately trying to catch the wallaby, the owner then rang the police, who in turn contacted us.

Reunited with partner Bruce 

RSPCA Chief Inspector Mark Thompson attended the incident with his colleague Inspector Richard Lythgoe and vet Rob Gould from Aquarius Veterinary Centre.

They managed to get close enough to Sheila to tranquilise her so that she could be collected and reunited with her partner Bruce.

When she came round, she was none the worse for her adventure.

Mark said:

In my 25 years with the RSPCA this is the first wallaby I have had to tranquilise.

We had a call asking us for help, and we were more than happy to assist with this rescue.

Wallabies can travel at exceptionally fast speeds, so it was essential that we managed to get her back safely.

We are just pleased to have helped in this instance and been able to return her back to her owner.

 

Will little joey be as mischievous as mum?

The owner, who does not wish to be named, has owned two-year-old Sheila for six months.
 
He said he was relieved she had been caught - but was exhausted from trying to catch her.

Sheila currently has a little joey in her pouch, but the youngster is still growing so not visible at this stage.

Her owner added:

I really had no idea how we were going to get her back, so we are so relieved that she was returned safe and well and no worse for her ordeal.

I am just very grateful to the RSPCA and everyone who helped with this rescue.

 

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Caring for exotic pets

When unusual animals, like wallabies, are kept as pets they are known as exotics or non-domestic animals.

These types of animals have very specific needs and require specialist care if being cared for as a pet.

Read more about wild animals in captivity and meeting the needs of exotic pets. 
 

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