Disgust as wallaby home is targeted; Vandals cut fencing for a second time.

Byline: Brian Daniel

WALLABIES have escaped from a North East animal centre after vandals targeted the site for the second time in a matter of weeks Two wallabies escaped from Kielder Water Birds of Prey Centre in Northumberland in the early hours of Sunday after mesh fencing surrounding the centre was snapped with wire cutters.

Mother Glenda, who is two years old, and her rare albino joey Casper, who is one, were not there when centre owner Roy Lowden opened up and discovered the cut wires yesterday morning.

Luckily, Mr Lowden found the pair close by soon after going out to look for them and he was able to catch them and bring them back without too much difficulty. Mr Lowden believes the vandals got to the centre, based at Northumbrian Water's Leaplish Waterside Park within Kielder Water and Forest Park, via a neighbouring campsite.

The incident comes on the back of a similar vandalism attack at the site eight weeks ago as a result of which Casper's dad and Glenda's mate, Hopper, escaped and died.

Hopper got out through a hole in the fence after wires were cut on May 31. Mr Lowden went out to try and catch him numerous times but was unable to do so.

And eventually a motorist contacted the centre having hit the wallaby on the main road through Kielder.

Following the escapes, Mr Lowden has voiced his disgust at the vandals responsible and his concern for his animals' welfare.

He said: "We are distraught that someone would commit such a mindless and cruel crime. If this continues, more animals will die as they cannot look after themselves outside our facility.

"The baby wallaby that was safely returned to the centre this time is an albino - they're very rare and not many people would get the opportunity to see such a special creature otherwise. He has some scrapes but his mum is looking after him, we can only pray this doesn't happen again."

The centre has reported the latest incident to police.

Ray added: "If anyone has any in-formatioregarding this incident I urge them to contact Northumbria Police on [phone] or they can call Crime Stoppers anonymously on [phone]."

Elisabeth Rowark, director of Kielder Partnership director, said: "It's a miracle these two were caught. We're so happy they're safe as our visitors love them."

The attraction has two other wallabies, Jesse, a two year old female, and Hopper's baby, Charlotte, who is about eight months old.

The marsupials are native to Australia but those at the centre, which was set up 12 years ago, were bred in this country.

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