Wendell the wayward Wallaby was spotted hopping in Ottawa's west end Thursday, more than 70 kilometres from where he disappeared.
Wendell, a kangaroo-like animal, went missing from his pen near Kemptville after a winter storm knocked down fencing at Saunders Country Critters and Garden Centre nine days ago.
A tracking dog and about 15 volunteers joined the search for Wendell in Bells Corners Thursday.
"We're off a very busy highway here. Right now, there's an awful lot of traffic and the longer he's out there, like there's wolves, coyotes, the traffic. He's got lots to eat and drink, that's not a problem, but he needs to come home," Wendell's owner Gary Saunders told CTV Ottawa.
One kangaroo and four wallabies escaped after a storm swept through the region. All were found except for Wendell, a Bennett wallaby who was born at the centre three years ago. He is described as about 2.5 feet tall with brownish fur.
"We're never going to give up until somebody shows me that something has happened to him, that he's never coming home. We are never going to give up," said Saunders.
The animal's caregivers are offering a $1,000 reward for the animal's safe return. Anyone who sees Wendell is asked to try to grab him by the base of the tail and get him in a pillow case or blanket.
Anyone who spots him or has information about his whereabouts is asked to call the zoo at 613-258-1108.
Wendell, a kangaroo-like animal, went missing after last week's winter storm knocked down fencing at Saunders Country Critters and Garden Centre.
One kangaroo and four wallabies escaped. All were found except for Wendell, a Bennett wallaby who was born at the centre three years ago. He is described as about 2.5 feet tall with brownish fur.
The wallaby's keepers ask anyone who sees Wendell to try to grab him by the base of the tail and get him in a pillow case or blanket.
Anyone who spots him or has information about his whereabouts is asked to call the zoo at 613-258-1108.
