Drones have been sent in to help “distraught” zookeepers track down a missing bearcat last seen four days ago.
Suki the binturong managed to slip out of her enclosure, sparking a mass search that has captured the attention of the local community.
Members of the public have pitched in, using drones with thermal cameras and even trekking through woodland with torches and binoculars in a bid to spot the elusive animal.
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The rogue bearcat, part of a vulnerable species, has left staff at The Fenn Bell Conservation Project in Rochester, Kent, heartbroken, as reported by Need To Know.
The zoo has urged anyone who spots Suki to report it – but warned the public to keep their distance, as she is likely to be “scared and nervous”.
Zookeepers first discovered her escape on the morning of 25 September.
She was last seen in the Bell Wood area of St. Mary Hoo, with no confirmed sightings since.
A spokesperson for the zoo said: “Thank you for everyone’s support so far, from the people who have assisted with drones for searching to those who have shared our post.
“It really is greatly appreciated.
“Unfortunately, we have not yet had any confirmed sightings of Suki the binturong, who remains missing at this time.
“Our team are spending as many hours as possible searching for her, from deploying drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras to trekking through the woodland with torches, binoculars and cameras.
“This does mean that for the moment at least, updates will be few and far between whilst we keep searching and keep investigating reports.
“As previously mentioned – please do not approach, corner or attempt to catch her.”
