Buddy the adventurous reindeer who was rescued by Southport Lifeboat is back home safe and sound.
The reindeer escaped from Santa’s Forest at Lifeboat Road in Formby on Saturday.
Quads from Southport Lifeboat were called out to try and locate him with a call out at 4.43pm, which they managed to do.
They said: “Southport Quads were tasked with assisting in the search for an escaped reindeer on Formby Beach, missing for several hours from a local Christmas event in Formby.
“As darkness fell, Merseyside Police who had been tracking the animal lost sight of it.
“Fearing that it could end up in the River Mersey, our quad team and Coastguard teams from HM Coastguard Southport and HM Coastguard Crosby were called out to help.
“Using thermal binoculars, our quad team located the reindeer on the beach.
“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, supported by Royal Marines, to safely secure it.
Christmas is saved thanks to some great work from multiple agencies.”
The team at Santa’s Forest are pleased to have him home, after his rescue earned national media attention.
They said: “Buddy the adventurous reindeer is back. Apart from Rudolph, Buddy is the most famous reindeer in the world right now!
“Due to Buddy’s curious and mischievous personality, we have increased the height of his enclosure, just in case he wanted to take to the skies again.
“It is very doubtful though, Buddy is a pack animal and he thrives on company, the last thing he wants is to be alone in the wilderness.
“He is very happy to be back with his fellow reindeer friends. We think he has settled his curiosity now.
“He was fully rested for two days, and he has been seen by a vet both days. Apart from being exhausted he was deemed fit and well
“He was playing up for the cameras yesterday, he is somewhat a superstar.
“Buddy will be with us until December 23rd if you want to come and say hello.
“Buddy and Santa want to say a huge thank you to everybody who played a part of bringing him home safely.”
Santa’s Forest is at Lifeboat Road in Formby. For more details visit: Santas Win Christmas –
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