Runaway reindeer will get new ‘management measures’ after escaping Christmas attraction
The owner of a Christmas attraction has welcomed back one of its stars, after his escape led to a huge search effort, involving armed police, the coast guard, and even the Royal Marines
A reindeer who sparked a massive search after escaping a Christmas attraction is back in his enclosure – but with extra security measures to stop him doing it again.
Six-year-old Buddy is now safely back in Santa‘s Enchanted Forest at Formby in Merseyside but the site’s owner is taking no chances that the reindeer could break free again.
Steve Howard said he was “hugely relieved” to get him back and added that he has raised the height of the reindeer’s enclosure by “two or three feet”.
“But, having gone on an adventure, I think Buddy has satisfied his curiosity and is just glad to be back here eating moss with his reindeer friends,” he said.
Buddy’s epic escape at the weekend prompted a massive search over fears he could come to harm. Merseyside Police received reports that Buddy had gone missing at about 13:45 on Saturday. Worried he might end up in a nearby river, the force called in coastguard teams to help find him.
After several hours on the run, the exhausted animal from north Wales was spotted by searchers using thermal binoculars. He had fallen asleep among the sand dunes on a nearby beach after all the excitement of his break for freedom.
The animal was sedated by a vet, assisted by some Royal Marines who were on exercise at a nearby firing range. The animal was then put in a trailer and taken back to his stable.
Howard, 45, said he was “hugely relieved” to get Buddy back, adding that he has increased the height of the reindeer’s enclosure by “two or three feet” to prevent a repeat.
He said reindeers were “typically curious creatures” and added that Buddy had been “having a run around his enclosure” prior to getting over-excited and jumping the fence. “Reindeers could clear a 16ft (4.9m) fence if they really wanted to,” he said.
“But, having gone on an adventure, I think Buddy has satisfied his curiosity and is just glad to be back here eating moss with his reindeer friends. Essentially, they are pack animals and thrive on each other’s company.”
He said “appropriate control measures” had been taken to stop Buddy roaming again. The animal has also been given two medical checks and a course of antibiotics.
“The safety and wellbeing of our reindeer is paramount,” he said.
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