Wallaby that escaped Australia Zoo through drain found after search

A red-necked wallaby that staged a daring escape from Australia Zoo during wild storms has been found following an extensive search involving police, zookeepers and drones.

Police and workers were searching for a wallaby that escaped from Australia Zoo.

A red-necked wallaby that escaped Australia Zoo during a wild storm on Friday has been found after an extensive search involving police, zookeepers, and drones.

‘Dougle’ the wallaby escaped the world-famous zoo at Beerwah through a drain during the severe thunderstorm that lashed the Sunshine Coast on Friday, December 15.

Australia Zoo general manager Luke Reavley confirmed that the missing marsupial was returned to the zoo at 4am Monday, December 18.

“We’re incredibly pleased that Dougle the wallaby is now safely at home at Australia Zoo,” Mr Reavley said.

“The zoo crew have worked tirelessly around the clock to ensure he made it back safe and sound.”

Mr Reavley said Dougle was located through the use of thermal technology.

“Thanks to thermal drones and cameras, we were able to monitor Dougle’s whereabouts over the last few days,” he added.

“He has been in a block adjacent to the zoo, which is covered in thick bushland.

“This morning at 4am, we were able to convince him to walk through a back gate and through the zoo to his home, Roo Heaven.”

Dougle is reportedly doing well and will be given a few days of rest, before being checked over by the zoo’s veterinarians.

After realising “Dougle” had escaped his enclosure, zookeepers called police to assist, with a Queensland Police Services spokeswoman confirming that they were called to an “animal related” traffic hazard on Steve Irwin Way at Beerwah on Saturday, November 16, at 8am.

The wallaby is thought to have escaped via a drain.

Australia Zoo staff were seen outside the zoo grounds searching for the wallaby,while a Queensland Police Service spokeswoman said officers were assisting with traffic control.

“Staff are assisting some residents with traffic control and management due to a wallaby that escaped the zoo,” she said.

Mr Reavley said the red-necked wallaby escaped its enclosure during an overnight storm.

“Australia Zoo has an experienced animal team, with procedures in place for this scenario to ensure the wellbeing of our wildlife, and look forward to having him home shortly.”