Wandering wallaby settles in as bid made to find owner

The A1237 was closed between Haxby and Strensall as police officers tried to catch the wallaby on Thursday evening. The animal was eventually caught and tranquilised by a vet and was taken to Askham Bryan College, York, where it was being cared for yesterday.

Care for the animal, who the college has named “Wesley” is being provided by staff after they helped police capture him.

Principal Liz Philip said: “He’s a male wallaby, about a year old we think, and whilst we’re very happy to look after him, it would be super to reunite him with his owners. We’ve called him Wesley, and he’s being cared for in our animal management centre where he will stay until we have any further news of who owns him. So far he is doing fine, but we’re obviously doing health checks and monitoring him on a regular basis.”

If no one comes forward Mrs Philip says the college would be willing to care for him on a permanent basis. The college can be contacted on 01904 772277.

After the wallaby was captured North Yorkshire Police tweeted: “Good news. The Wallaby has been detained, no handcuffs required thanks to the help of a Vet & lots of muddy officers.”

The wallaby is not the only escapee making headlines this week. Residents in the Beighton, Sheffield, were shocked to discover an emu seen wandering in and out of residents’ driveways. Police later traced its owner.