A SEARCH is on for a reindeer that escaped on arrival at a children’s Christmas event in Co Westmeath.
Arthur O’Meara, of O’Meara’s Garden Pavilion in Gaybrook, Mullingar, is hoping the public might be able to help.
“We asked Santa for a loan of a couple of his reindeer and his helpers were delivering them on Saturday evening last,” said Mr O’Meara.
However, “just as we relaxed, one got a fright and just bounded out of the pen like a rocket and . . . into the woods”.
Although unsure of the exact pedigree of the animal, he said: “It looks like the type you see in the North Pole.
“A little bit smaller than a donkey, but they can certainly jump.
“There is a lot of farmland around the garden centre so we are hoping that if we are lucky she settles down with some cattle or sheep.”
The public is advised not to approach the animal but instead to leave down some hay and call the centre, whose staff will send out professionals to bring the deer back.
The loss of the deer shouldn’t affect Santa’s Christmas plans, however, as the animal was part of a back-up sleigh team.
Anyone who sees the deer is asked to call the pavilion on 044-934 2088.