Local petting zoo staff were left scratching their heads after a meerkat managed to escape from its enclosure. The critter’s great escape from the zoo, located in the rolling hills of England’s picturesque countryside, has left staff and visitors alike feeling shaken and stirred.
“We just can’t believe it,” exclaimed zookeeper Billy Bob Thornton (no relation to the actor), “Meerkats aren’t exactly known for their Houdini-like skills. It’s almost as if it had help.”
Rumors have started to swirl around the tiny town of Little Wigglesworth that the meerkat had help from inside the petting zoo. However, Thornton was quick to dismiss such allegations.
“Look, we don’t have any monkeys or gorillas here. In fact, the only thing going wild around here is our herbal tea selection,” he said.
The meerkat, named Rodger, has yet to be found despite a thorough search of the surrounding area. Locals are advised to keep their doors and windows tightly locked, as Rodger is known to have a hankering for biscuits and scones.
But what does this breakout mean for the local community? Will residents ever feel safe again without the knowledge that a rogue meerkat is on the loose?
“We are taking the situation seriously, but let’s be honest, we’re talking about a two-pound meerkat here,” said local council member Margaret Thatcher (no relation to the former Prime Minister), “I’m more concerned about the seagulls pinching my chips while I’m on my lunch break.”
Despite Thatcher’s shockingly cavalier attitude towards the situation, members of the public have taken to social media to express their outrage.
“I can’t believe this has happened! What kind of zoo is this? I demand answers!” wrote one user on Twitter.
Another commented: “This is an outrage! I hope the zebra doesn’t get any ideas and try to escape too.”
Whilst it’s easy to joke about the situation, the reality is that zoo staff are working around the clock to try and find the little guy.
“We’re doing all we can to bring Rodger back to the zoo safely,” said Thornton, “Fingers crossed he hasn’t gone too far. Who knows what kind of mischief he could get up to out there?”
As the search for Rodger continues, the people of Little Wigglesworth will no doubt be keeping a watchful eye on their gardens and their baked goods. In a countryside that’s usually peaceful and quiet, the meerkat has reminded us all that anything can happen, and that sometimes, even the smallest creatures can cause the biggest stir.
