Wallaby escapes from petting zoo into Aberdeenshire countryside

This wallaby, Edward, arrived at the same time as missing Eddie did

A young wallaby has escaped into the countryside just a day after arriving at a petting zoo in Aberdeenshire.

Eddie, who is about six months old, only arrived at Waulkmill Menagerie, near New Deer, on Sunday.

However, he escaped through a small hole in a fence on Monday.

Nikki Johnstone, who runs the attraction, said he was spotted outside a pub in New Deer and was last seen heading north in the direction of Cuminestown and Turriff.

'Worried sick'

"He'll be fine with grass and whatever plants he can forage", she told BBC Scotland

"The cold is a bit of a worry factor because he is so little, he would need a heat lamp during our winters."

Eddie was seen near The Howe pub in New Deer

Miss Johnstone said Eddie was no threat as he was not aggressive to humans or other animals, and advised anyone who spotted him to close him in and close the area if they could.

"We can't chase him through a field, he's way too fast for that", she said.

"We're just spreading the word, and have contacted drone people.

"I'm totally gutted and just worried sick for him - just needing him home."