Three Patagonian Maras Recovered After Escaping Dutch Zoo

Three Patagonian maras made a brief escape from a Netherlands bird park before being safely recovered, according to UPI Odd News. The animals left a temporary holding area at Avifauna in Alphen aan den Rijn on Sunday. They had been placed there while awaiting transfer to another zoo. Police joined the search after the escape was reported. One mara was found on the grounds of Avifauna, while a second turned up in the garden of a nearby home. The third animal remained missing until it was discovered inside the zoo on Monday morning. The zoo described the animals as large rodents. Patagonian maras are closely related to capybaras and guinea pigs. An Avifauna spokesperson said the escape was likely caused by human error and suggested that the enclosure may not have been properly closed before the animals got out.