A NORTH Yorkshire zoo is trying to find the owner of one its newest residents - Basil the coati mundi.
The coati - a racoon-like creature - was found on a farm in Easingwold, and is being looked after at Flamingo Land Zoo, at Kirby Misperton, near Pickering.
Andrew Melton, zoo manager, said the coati, which originates in South America, would not be wild and therefore must have an owner, who probably lives in the Easingwold area.
Christened Basil by zoo staff, the coati is said to be in very good condition.
Mr Melton said: "We were called to a farm in Easingwold and the lady there thought she had found a racoon. But he is a coati mundi.
"We are trying to find its owner. It originates in South America so it's not the sort of thing you find in this country."
Basil's owner, or anyone who can help the zoo locate the owner, should ring Flamingo Land on 01653 668287.
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