10 July 2006 - Auckland

Media release for immediate use

Forest & Bird pleased otter is caught

Forest & Bird today congratulated the Department of Conservation and Auckland Zoo on their efforts in recapturing the escaped otter, Jin.

North Island Field Co-ordinator David Pattemore said it was a relief that the otter was finally back in captivity after nearly a month on the loose in the Auckland area.

The otter was trapped on Rangitoto Island today after being spotted by a yachtie.

“We are pleased to see that efforts by the zoo and DOC have resulted in a successful capture and Jin is back where she belongs,”David Pattemore said.

“We are keen to talk to the zoo and encourage zoo staff in their planning to ensure that a similar escape of an exotic animal does not happen again.”

ENDS