Frantic search for ‘stinky’ armadillo Stanley after he broke out of popular UK zoo

NewsUK News A FRANTIC search has been launched for a “stinky” armadillo who broke out of a popular UK zoo for a second time. The small scaled mammal, named Stanley, made his getaway from Animal Magic petting zoo in East Sussex over the weekend. He was last seen along The Cuckoo Way Credit: Alamy Credit: Animal Magic At just 3-4kg and only 40cm long, Stanley the six-banded armadillo managed to force the back door of his log cabin enclosure open. The last confirmed sighting of the critter was on the Cuckoo trail, between Heathfield and Polegate. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! Co-owner of the zoo, Chris Coetzer said he was anxious to get Stanley back home. He added that this was not the first time the mischievous little creature had made a getaway. During a birthday party Stanley managed to escape Chris again, forcing him to chase after the armadillo and bring him back. Chris said Stanley was quite friendly but warned that he could be “stinky”, saying: “The only thing with armadillos is, they don’t smell particularly good.” Though saying Stanley would happily take food out of peoples hands and loves having his back scratched, Chris warned people not to try to pick him up. People are advised to contact the company with any sightings of the little animal. Most read in The Sun Chris reckons Stanley was tempted into escaping by food smells from a nearby farm shop. He added that he wasn’t hugely concerned for Stanley’s safety, saying that armadillos are good at looking after themselves. Chris did say, however, that there was a risk of the scaled creature crossing a road and being hit by a car. He added: “Armadillos can look after themselves. “I don’t particularly think anything like a fox would be trying his luck, but with badgers, you don’t know.” While animals are legal to keep in the UK, any owners require a Dangerous Wild Animal licence. They mostly eat eggs, insects and fruits and boast an armoured shell and sharp claws. Despite their short legs, armadillos can move quickly if they want to. The species is native to Central and South America, with most of the species living in Latin America. Comment now