Search still on for bird that escaped from Edinburgh Zoo

ZOO keepers were last night continuing their search from an exotic bird after it escaped from Edinburgh Zoo.

It is feared that Cherry the scarlet ibis could succumb to starvation or attacks from seagulls. The bird flew from its enclosure on Tuesday after a squirrel chewed through protective netting.

Zoo staff have attempted to catch the bird on several occasions using pieces of food, but it has so far managed to evade them. A spokeswoman for Edinburgh Zoo said: “She is showing more interest in food, but it could be two weeks before we catch her. The best chance we have is when she is tired and hungry and remains on the ground for a prolonged period of time.”

Darren McGarry, head of animals at the zoo, said: “The only predators would be crows or seagulls. However, our keepers have observed no interest from local wildlife in the bird, despite its unusual appearance.”

The bird has travelled to various spots throughout the capital starting its journey from the zoo to Dundas Street. From there she visited three locations in Seafield Road – the roof of Matalan, the roof of Edinburgh’s Dog and Cat Home then a bridge close to Seafield sewage works.

The bird was then spotted at the Malmaison hotel in Leith before moving on to a tree on Marine Drive at Cramond beach.