Police called after escaped red panda wanders half a mile to snack on apples
Sundara the red panda cub managed to escape from her enclosure at Newquay Zoo in Cornwall and sniff out the fruit wholesaler
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Warehouse workers had a hairy surprise when they spotted a red panda cub wandering down the road looking peckish.
The adorable cub, named Sundara, managed to escape from her enclosure at Newquay Zoo and wander half a mile to Freshpoint – which supplies its fruit and vegetables.
Police were called to the greengrocers on Friday – just days after the critter was first welcomed at the zoo.
Freshpoint staff said the red panda “looked a bit peckish” and fed it with an apple while they waited for help to arrive.
Sales manager Chris said: “It was just strolling down the road outside our work when one of our employees said ‘what on earth is that?’
“We supply the zoo with food for the animals so we knew straight away that it was a red panda.
“We thought she might be peckish so we fed it with an apple - she was definitely in the right place for that.”
Newquay Police said it was called at 7.10am to reports of a red panda on Springfield Road.
“Officers went down and contained the animal until zoo staff arrived to take it home,” the force added.
The team’s extensive police traning does not cover red pandas, requiring offers to think on their feet.
“Not often Newquay Police Newquay Response get sent to an escaped red panda from the local zoo which was found by newquay fruit sales,” Insp Guy Blackford said on Twitter.
“Panda rescue is not a topic taught in police training yet.”
Sundarajoined the zoo’s “superstar” red panda Seren just days before she managed to escape and sniff her way to the fruit supplier.
Dave Folland, Head of Newquay Zoo, said: “On Friday morning, 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.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments