Antelope escapes from Ludlow's Lupa Zoo, spotted in surrounding towns
LUDLOW – If you live in the Ludlow area, keep your eyes open for a wanted antelope.
An Eland antelope escaped from the Lupa Zoo last week. Zoo officials said a tree fell during a recent storm and broke the paddock where a male and female antelope are housed.
The male anetelope ran off, but the female did not.
Edison DePaula, Jr., who works at Moose Hill Farms in Wilbraham, said he saw the antelope Thursday morning.
He's encountered moose and their calves before, but said he's never seen anything like an antelope up close and initially thought it could be an elk or a moose. He said he tried to corral the antelope into his garden but it ran through a fence and took off.
"I was trying to get a setup to throw a rope on her, but one of the lights spooked her and she took off running again. It was quite the adventure to see something like this," said DePaula. "It's not often that anyone sees an African antelope in their backyard."
People are warned that if they see the antelope they should not approach it and should instead call police. Ludlow Animal Control said that the antelope is not aggressive, but will kick if you startle him.