Wallaby Sidnejs celebrates one month free-jumping in Liepāja

Take note – story published 2 years ago

With August 2 arriving, wallaby Sidnejs hops into his second month of free-roaming the coastal city of Liepāja. 

As LSM reported at the time, on July 2, young wallaby Sidnejs had made use of a faulty or carelessly opened gate lock at the local mini-zoo Atomi and raced down the highway to Liepāja. There, he has been on the minds of the locals ever since -- to such an extent that the zoo has allegedly received many a false alarm of sightings. 

Despite locals jumping on the case, the superspeed of the young wallaby, combined with possible stimulants he might have nicked while visiting a beach bar mid-July (hopefully not hops-based drinks), has left his place at the zoo empty to this day.

Most sightings, according to Atomi and perhaps not surprisingly, have been reported in park areas, specifically the Liepāja Jūrmalas park, as well as along bicycle trails. It is strongly advised against renting out any wheels to marsupials.

Atomi has issued a bounty of EUR 100 for the successful capture of the bushranger, but do not try to physically restrain him or go too near, as, like all high-profile fugitives on the lam he could become dangerous if cornered. 

Atomi said that the best-case scenario would be enclosing the wallaby in a yard or other restricted territory if he wanders into one (make sure your gate locks are Sidnejs-proof!) or, if not possible, keeping an eye on him and discreetly following until the zoo representatives arrive. The phone number to report sightings of Sidnejs is 25560040, or you can call the Liepāja municipal police's rapid-reaction wallaby squad on 63420269.

LSM failed to find out whether Sidnejs would be awaited home with a brand new gate lock that would give the criminal mastermind some food for thought. In any case, hopefully, his mother Austrālija will have knitted a new jumpsuit for him as a welcome home gift.

This is not the first time Latvia has been gripped by escaped wallaby fever. Back in 2018 a mystery marsupial appeared in an orchard. Meanwhile one of our most popular stories this year concerned the sleeping habits of kangaroos.

Seen a mistake?

Select text and press Ctrl+Enter to send a suggested correction to the editor

Select text and press Report a mistake to send a suggested correction to the editor

Related articles

More

Most important