TWO young raccoons from Tropiquaria Zoo at Washford Cross have been stolen or released after intruders kicked a hole in their enclosure on Monday night and the animals disappeared.

Bowser and Wookie, who are about a year old, had only been at the zoo since July.

They were being kept in their own enclosure before the zoo planned to integrate them with its other two raccoons, Missy and Archer.

Their temporary home consisted of a six foot by six foot house and a six foot by six foot run that was ten foot high – but someone kicked a hole in it and bent back wire so that the animals could get out.

Now Tropiquaria director Chris Moiser is appealing to the public to look out for them.

“We are increasingly worried for their safety,” he said.

“The latest badger cull has just started and they are a little badger-like in appearance, particularly in reduced light.”

He said the animals are not dangerous, but they are not tame and if grabbed they would bite to defend themselves.

He asked anyone who sees them to keep them under observation, lock them in an outbuilding if the opportunity arises, and call Tropiquaria on 07751 363198.

Anyone who has information about theft of the animals should call Avon and Somerset police, and quote the crime number 5217197290.