Search on for escaped otter

Auckland Zoo staff are becoming increasingly worried about an escaped otter who has been missing for more than a week.

Jin was last spotted early yesterday evening in Devonport, on the North Shore about 10km from the zoo, but has eluded zoo staff trying to catch her.

Auckland Zoo curator Maria Finnigan said the four-year-old Asiatic short-clawed otter escaped along with two other otters last Tuesday afternoon, after a nesting box was not properly fixed to the wall of their enclosure.

The other otters were found in the zoo grounds shortly after their bid for freedom.

Ms Finnigan said it appeared Jin has been carried out on the Meola Creek outgoing tide and swam across the Auckland Harbour to Devonport.

"While otters are good swimmers, we're absolutely stunned at the distance she has travelled," Ms Finnigan said.

"If anyone does sight her in an area that can be closed off -- such as a fenced backyard or basement garage -- we would ask that people do so immediately, and then call us."

Ms Finnigan said Jin was not dangerous and would not approach people, but it was important members of the public did not try and chase or capture her themselves.

"This will just cause her to run further."

Zoo staff have extensively searched the area, even using tape recordings of otter calls to try and help lure her back, Ms Finnigan said.

Senior carnivore keeper Trent Barclay said Jin was clearly in a state of panic, which was why she was remaining on the move.

"We're naturally extremely concerned for her welfare, but would remind people that she is not dangerous," Mr Barclay said.

Jin is dark brown, the size of a small cat, with a pale belly, and a long fat tail that tapers off towards its end.

If people do sight her, they should call the main zoo line, 09 360 3800 or 027 291 9773.

- NZPA