An antelope that escaped from a zoo last month in Ludlow, Massachusetts, has been found.
The Eland Antelope named Mary escaped from the Lupa Zoo on April 1 after a storm damaged a fence enclosure.
“Mary is back with her mate. Lupa Zoo wants to thank all the police departments, and Sheriff's Department, the USDA, and environmental police for their help to bringing Mary safely home,” the zoo said in a Facebook post Sunday. “Lupa Zoo staff were always watching out for Mary and patiently waited to safely capture her without a scratch. Come see Mary and all her friends for an adventure at the Zoo.”
The Hampden County Sheriff's Department said the one-horned antelope was taken into custody around 11:45 p.m. Saturday.
“I’m incredibly pleased this story has a happy ending, and that is due to the entire Lupa Zoo staff working tirelessly to bring her home safely,” Sheriff Nick Cocchi said in a statement.
When Mary was spotted Saturday night prior to her being captured, she was with several deer who she apparently made friends with along the way, according to Wally Lupa, director of facility development for the Lupa Zoo.
“It was like something out of a movie,” Lupa said. “But I’m glad it’s over and maybe tonight I can finally sleep well and in my own bed.”
