Danger warning over zoo break-ins

The wildlife park houses animals including lynx and bears

Police are warning youths of the danger of wild animal attacks after two break-ins at a Dundee wildlife park.

In the first incident at Camperdown Zoo on Saturday, a rabbit was stolen and hundreds of pounds worth of damage was caused to a greenhouse and fencing.

Beer bottles were found in otter and terrapin enclosures and a group of boys, aged about 10, were seen scaling the zoo's wall on Sunday.

The park is also home to European brown bears, lynx and wolves.

A spokeswoman said youths were putting themselves in danger of being attacked by wild animals.

I would urge parents to talk to their children about the inherent dangers associated with 'playing' in such places and the ramifications of being caught Police spokeswoman

She said: "It is important to stress the dangers of such activity.

"The majority of the zoo, and the individual enclosures, are surrounded by electrical fencing.

"The animals themselves are wild and would not hesitate to attack any trespasser within their territory.

"I would urge parents to talk to their children about the inherent dangers associated with 'playing' in such places and the ramifications of being caught."

The spokeswoman said the rabbit which was taken on Saturday was later returned to the zoo after a man spotted the youths with it and took it away from them.

She asked the man to get in touch with police and appealed for information.

"Similarly, if anyone has any information about who may be responsible for the damage and vandalism within the zoo I would ask them to get in touch with us before someone is seriously injured or killed," she added.