A totally tropical getaway! Exotic birds on the loose in Leeds

A pair of red-crested turacos seized their chance and escaped from the Roundhay Park attraction when a visitor left a fire exit open.

Their successful breakout was confirmed after a resident in nearby Park Villas spotted them perched for a short time in a tree opposite his flat yesterday morning.

Coun Debra Coupar, Leeds City Council’s executive member for communities, told the Yorkshire Evening Post: “We’re currently on the lookout for two red-crested turacos which flew out of Tropical World through a fire exit that was opened by a visitor.

“The birds have been sighted around Tropical World and Roundhay Park so we know they are near and are hoping to return them home soon.

“The birds are metallic green with a red crest, so they are very distinctive.

“We would ask that members of the public refrain from feeding them where possible as they have a specialised diet and unsuitable foods can harm them.

“We have catch cages in place in the area that are laden with their favourite food so they have plenty to eat and we hope to bring the birds home as soon as possible.”

The turacos aren’t the first inhabitants of Tropical World to make a break for freedom.

As previously reported by the YEP, four meerkats tunnelled their way out of their enclosure in September last year.

An eagle-eyed member of the public noticed the cheeky quartet in cactus beds near the enclosure and staff were able to catch them using nets.