Escaped Wallaby Captured in Missouri

An escaped fugitive from New Zealand was captured in Missouri on Thanksgiving Day.

I'm talking about a wallaby, and it was found at a nursing home in Platte City, MO.

People in Platte City are used to seeing wildlife, but not the native New Zealander.

"This is really news in a small town like this," said one resident.

Where did he come from?  It turns out he only traveled a couple of miles.

Four-year-old Noah belongs to a local family, the Wood family.

They were feeding him Thanksgiving morning.

"My brother had barely opened the door and he just darted out," said 16-year-old Emily Wood.

He ran into the woods and was later spotted hopping through a yard around 9:30.

The family started their search, and so did police.  "This is the first time in 28 years of law enforcement that I've ever confronted a loose wallaby," said Platte City police officer Michael Reilly.

Noah bounced into a fenced-in area at the Hillview Nursing Home.  A worker at the home discovered him and it turns out he is no danger to people.  

"He likes to lick people. He'll give you hugs even," said Wood.

Finally, the Kansas City Zoo came in to give Noah a temporary home while his legalities are worked out.

Officials said wallabies are legal to own in Missouri, but Platte City has an exotic animal ordinance, which Noah falls under.