A mammal hunt has been launched after two masked sisters cleared security bars and made a run for it.
The public have been warned not to approach Bandit and Turpin, who escaped on Friday, April 26.
Fortunately for the residents of Alfriston the duo are not criminals but two racoons that have escaped from Drusillas Park.
Zoo staff noticed the pair were missing during their early morning checks on Friday and they have not been seen since.
They are two of four racoons at the animal park that were moved into a shared enclosure with coatis at the beginning of March.
Staff said introductions between the two species went very well but the animals were still adjusting to their new surroundings.
Staff are still trying to establish what happened but believe the pair may have been spooked and in a panic climbed up the perimeter fence of their enclosure and through the electric deterrent.
Zoo keepers are now appealing to the public to be on the lookout for the pair.
Road threat
It is believed that the resourceful pair will be able to survive on their own for some time feeding on a variety of foods, including fruits, berries, nuts, grass, insects and small mammals.
The biggest threat they currently face is from motorists. The zoo team also believe Turpin and Bandit will not stray far and are likely to be hiding in nearby trees or shrubbery.
Drusillas Park is offering a family ticket for four as a reward for any information that leads to the successful recovery of the pair.
Zoo manager Sue Woodgate said: “I would like to emphasise that there is no danger to the public.
“They are generally non-aggressive and the group come into close contact with the public on a daily basis as part of our Keeper for the Day scheme and Close Encounter Animal Experiences.
“However, if you do come across the racoons we would ask that you do not approach them. This may scare them further afield or they may become stressed if cornered. Instead please contact the zoo keepers as soon as possible, who have been trained to recover the animals safely.”
Anyone with information should contact 01323 874100 or 07940 483815.
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