Escape Artist Kuruk and his friend Eno find a new home in Belgium

Once again we have found refuge for two raccoons in the sister organization of Antwerp Zoo, Planckendael, in Melchelen which lies between Antwerp and Brussels.

In contrast to Antwerp zoo which lies in the heart of the city and therefore has to struggle with its limited space, Planckendael has enough room for larger enclosures for larger groups of animals.

In the past other animals have been relocated in Planckendael, the White-eared marmoset Helaku and raccoon Tohome, unfortunately Tohome died shortly after the move. It was always the idea for another raccoon from AAP to join Tohome and a female already in the park, and therefore after good deliberation it was decided to move Kuruk and Eno to Belgium.

Kuruk is a regular “Houdini” with a formidable reputation. His first stunt was in 2006 when he escaped from Kasteelpark Born, where he had already been placed by AAP. He was obviously perfectly capable of looking after himself because it was not until 2008 that he was caught again. Thanks to his chip we were able to identify him. He certainly had not forgotten his tricks and he showed this by escaping out of his kennel in the back of the bus on the way to Planckendael! Not long after he and his pal escaped again out of the quarantine!

The two raccoons are now in a high security unit in the quarantine whilst waiting for their final move to the enclosure in the park. We hope that the spacious accommodation and the company of an attractive female will eventually curb his passion for escaping.