UK police, soldiers and coastguard were called into action as an emergency was declared in a seaside town after a reindeer escaped a Christmas event.
They all undertook an extensive search for missing Buddy the Reindeer, after he fled Santa’s Enchanted Forest in Formby, Merseyside.
The Southport Offshore Rescue Trust said its team set out on quad bikes equipped with thermal binoculars in a bid to find it, alongside officers from HM Coastguard Southport and HM Coastguard Crosby.
The trust said: ‘Although capture proved difficult, the team successfully shepherded the animal into the sand dunes at Altcar Rifle Range, where a police drone maintained watch.
‘The reindeer eventually settled, allowing a vet, to safely secure it. Christmas is saved thanks to some great work from multiple agencies.’
The vet was supported by some Royal Marines, who were on exercise at a firing range close by.
A relieved Steve Howard, owner of Santa’s Enchanted Forest, told the BBC that Buddy the reindeer had just become over-excited and had decided to stretch his legs, adding, ‘I think he was just doing a trial run for Christmas Eve.’
Chief Inspector Jacqueline Overy, of Merseyside Police, added: ‘It’s not every day we’re called upon to track a reindeer, but thanks to the co-ordinated efforts of a number of specialist agencies we were able to monitor his movements and locate him in the dunes even as darkness fell.
‘The reindeer had posed a genuine risk both to its own safety and the public by entering roads, and it was vital that he was secured. We’re extremely grateful to all those who helped bring the situation to a safe conclusion.’
Facebook group Formby Bubble shared a message from Buddy the Reindeer’s owners, posting: ‘We’re happy to report that Buddy is now safe, warm and snuggled up back home in north Wales.
‘After his unexpected seaside adventure, he is enjoying some well-earned rest in his cosy stable and will be taking it easy for the rest of the year.’
