Two antelopes that escaped from a Borth zoo yesterday have been recaptured, the owners have said.

Borth Wild Animal Kingdom announced on Wednesday morning that two lechwe, or African antelope, had escaped from the zoo.

This led to criticism from the local authority who said they had lost confidence in the zoo.

The zoo posted an update today (Thursday), saying: “Our team of zookeepers were out very early this morning to locate the animal.

“Once we had eyes on the female we were able to construct a plan of approach which successfully allowed the female to wonder into a secure area of the zoo on her own free will.

“At which point a second plan was discussed and carried out with the priority of minimising any stress to the animal.”

Speaking after the announcement that two animals had escaped from the zoo, Ceredigion County Council said: “This is extremely disappointing news for the local authority who have issued a number of closure notices on the zoo, as the local authority has lost confidence in the ability of the zoo to operate responsibly and safely.

“The zoo operators have appealed the initial closure order and we await confirmation of a court hearing.

“In the meantime, officers are at the scene to assess the situation.”

This news comes after the Borth zoo was told it could no longer home dangerous animals by Ceredigion County Council, back in January.

Zoo owners Tracy and Dean Tweedy were due to appear in court today, 26 March, to appeal against the enforcement notice, but this has now been postponed.

On 27 January, Ceredigion County Council served Borth Wild Animal Kingdom with a direction to close the enclosures of its Category 1 animals, due to inadequate firearms arrangements in the event of a possible escape of a dangerous animal.

The current zoo license stipulates the zoo must have a competent and licenced firearms team of three members, but the zoo had failed to maintain these conditions.