A deer caused quite a splash after becoming stuck in a water feature in a restaurant full of diners.
The muntjac deer was found trapped in a water wheel at the Moor Mill Beefeater in Bricket Wood, St Albans on Wednesday.
Restaurant worker Nathan Lobar heard mysterious noises coming from behind the glass doors that frame the wheel, and once the door was unlocked they spotted the deer trapped inside.
The team called the RSPCA to rescue the doe, and Animal Collection Officer (ACO) Katie Wright came to the rescue of the distressed deer.
ACO Wright stated that the deer had probably fallen into the river and drawn under the building by the current, becoming stuck between two paddles of the wheel while trying to free herself.
The RSPCA officer said: “She was thrashing about and loudly barking, as it would have been very distressing for such a timid wild animal to find herself stuck like that, so I knew I’d have to work fast to free her.
“The rescue was fairly tricky as the deer had got her front leg and head tightly stuck but with some work, I eventually managed to free her.
“I’ve been an animal collection officer for almost 15 years and it makes me so happy that people like the team at the restaurant care so much about animals, and are so anxious to see that they’re helped.
“It makes my job so worthwhile helping all sorts of animals, and meeting some really lovely people.”
After freeing her from the wheel, ACO Wright wrapped her in a towel and checked that she wasn’t injured before freeing her some distance away from the river.
Mutjac deer are a small species, usually below knee-height on an adult who breed throughout the year and usually live alone but occasionally in pairs.
The species were brought from China in the early 20th Century to Bedfordshire where they thrived.
For more information about living with deer visit www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/wildlife/livingwith
People are advised to keep a safe distanced from injured or trapped animals and call the RSPCA emergency advice line on 0300 1234 999.
To donate £3 to the RSPCA text LOVE to 87023.
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