A search is underway for Stanley, a six-banded armadillo, who escaped from his enclosure in East Sussex. Stanley is part of Animal Magic, a company that provides educational animal handling experiences for schools and children's parties.
According to Chris Coetzer, co-owner of Animal Magic, Stanley managed to force a door open to escape. Coetzer noted that armadillos, despite their size, can move surprisingly fast for short periods, recalling a previous escape where he had to run quickly to catch the animal.
The last known sighting of Stanley was on September 3, near the Knights Farm Shop along the Cuckoo Trail path, which runs between Hailsham and Polegate. This trail is a 14-mile-long route for walkers and cyclists.
Coetzer has asked the public to contact Animal Magic if they spot Stanley. He believes the armadillo may be attracted to food scents from the farm shop or nearby campers.
Six-banded armadillos are native to South America and are characterized by their distinctive armor-like shells, known as a carapace. Adult animals typically measure between 40-50 cm in head-body length and weigh between 3-7 kg. They are omnivores with a varied diet that includes carrion, small rodents, insects, spiders, bird eggs, and plants. Armadillos are known for their adaptability to various habitats.