Missing raccoon captured but three still at large

The raccoon was found on zoo property

One of four raccoons missing from a zoo on the Isle of Wight has been captured.

Four 18-month-old female raccoons escaped from their enclosure at Amazon World, near Sandown, prompting a search.

One of the escapees was captured within the zoo's grounds shortly before midnight on Friday, and two others were spotted nearby.

The search has been scaled down during daylight hours when the raccoons are expected to go to sleep.

Three raccoons are still missing

Head keeper Rachel Patrick told Radio Solent: "We managed to capture one just before midnight and we've had sightings of two more but they've gone to ground this morning.

"The one we found and the two we had sightings of were on zoo property still.

"They'll go to sleep now and they'll come out again at dusk this evening."

Ms Patrick urged locals to keep an eye out "in sheds and up trees".

"The more eyes the better," she said. "They'll be hiding in any nook and cranny to go to sleep during the day."

The captured racoon is one of five siblings that arrived at Amazon World three weeks ago. Four of them escaped.

The recaptured animal is "absolutely fine" after being reunited with its sister.