Reindeer escapes UK Santa Land, sparking eight-hour search

A festive attraction in northwest England turned dramatic over the weekend when a reindeer escaped from a Christmas event, prompting an eight-hour search-and-rescue effort involving multiple emergency agencies,  including the Royal Marines.

The animal bolted from “Santa’s Enchanted Forest,” a holiday attraction in Formby, near Liverpool, shortly before 5 p.m. local time on November 29, according to the Southport Offshore Rescue Trust.

“As darkness fell, Merseyside Police who had been tracking the animal lost sight of it,” the organisation said in a statement, The New York Post reports. 

Fearing the reindeer might wander into the River Mersey while moving along the shoreline, volunteer coast guard teams joined the search.

“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 trust said.

The operation eventually ended safely.

“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 trust added.

Local residents were initially baffled by the reports.

“We thought it was a stag at first, but then a National Trust ranger asked if we’d seen a real reindeer,” one resident told the Formby Bubble.

“We pointed them in the direction it went — literally trotting north up the beach. Then the police arrived,” the resident said.

The reindeer was returned to handlers without injury.

By Sabina Mammadli