The 2.5ft-tall wallaby was spotted on Chester Road on Sunday (30/04) by a member of the public, who – unable to believe their eyes – contacted the animal welfare charity.
Animal Collection Officer Catherine Strawford was only a short hop away, and immediately got in her van to pick up the animal.
Catherine said: “As I was driving there, I just kept thinking to myself, what if the wallaby is really fast? I didn’t know what to expect – after all, I’ve never had to pick up a wallaby before!
“Thankfully, when I got to where he was I discovered that he was a placid animal, so I was able to catch him without any problem.
“It turned out he had escaped from a farm just under a mile away. He is 17 years old and nearly blind – he is so lucky that he didn’t get hit by a car. The owners were so grateful that he was found.
“It really does remind me of how different every day in this job can be. For a moment it felt like I was working in Australia – without the nice weather!”
Anyone who sees an animal in distress or in trouble should contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.
The RSPCA is a charity and we rely on public donations to exist. To assist our inspectors and officers in carrying out their vital work please text HELP to 78866 to give £3. (Texts cost £3 + one standard network rate message.)