MONEE, Ill. — Will County Animal Control officials on Thursday asked Monee residents to be on the lookout for a missing wallaby.
On the organization’s Facebook page, officials warned of a missing wallaby named Rupert, who stands 2 feet tall and weighs 45 pounds.
Locals who see Rupert are asked not to try and chase or catch the furry animal. Instead, officials ask those who may come in contact to take a video or photo of its location.
Josie Hange-Shockwave said the wallaby went missing from her family’s backyard on Tuesday night.
“Either got out from under the fence or the side of the fence,” Hange-Shockwave said. “I don’t know what he did. There’s no traces of how he got out. There’s no fur, there’s nothing. For all I know, someone came and took him.”
The family has a license for the exotic animal and he is registered with the county.
Hange-Shockwave said Rupert is more than just a pet, he’s part of the family.
“He’s just a sweetheart, he really is and when he gets to know you, he’s just a loveable little guy,” Hange-Shockwave said.
Additionally, anyone with information on the wallaby’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Will County Animal Control or (708) 710-3148.
There have been some sightings of Rupert in Crete, which is about 10 miles from the family’s home. But when investigated, there have been no signs of Rubert’s unique footprints.
Young wallabies can run up to 30 miles per hour, so it’s possible he’s gone some distance in the past two days.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
