A stag is missing from a Perthshire wildlife centre after a fence was cut open.
Bosses at Auchingarrich Wildlife Park near Comrie are appealing for help from the public after the attraction was sabotaged overnight.
A total of 30 deer are thought to have escaped, with 10 having returned, as well as a six-year-old stag, Harris.
The fence was found cut open on Wednesday.
A post on Facebook said: “Someone cut through the fence in the deer field and let all the deer out.
“Harris, our beautiful stag is also missing.
“He didn’t remain with the hinds (female deer) and we don’t know where he has gone.
“We are so worried about him.
“He was hand-reared and so is very tame and will come up to you if called.”
Kevin Campbell, the park manager, told The Courier that it would be unusual for Harris to leave the females at this time of year as it is rutting (breeding) season.
He said: “We feed the deer every morning but because it is rutting season the stags don’t eat as much so he doesn’t come down with the rest of the herd, so we didn’t think anything of it.
“I noticed a lot of deer outside of the enclosure which looked familiar so I walked down and found he was no where to be seen.
“He is a magnificent stag, bigger than any of the others in the forest, and they (hunters) would get a lot of money for the carcass.
“There are a lot of people who shoot in the forest which is quite a worrying situation.
“If he has been let out on purpose there is a chance it is to be shot.
“I would hate to believe that but alarm bells are ringing.”
Kevin said that because Harris is on loan from the Highland Deer Sanctuary he is not microchipped or tagged, so any attempts at finding him will be on foot or by using drones.
The stag would also be vocal during the rutting season, but has not been heard since going missing.
A GoFundMe page with a goal of £2000 has been set up to help pay for repairs to the fence and install better security.
A search to find Harris is being organised on Friday at 11am starting at Auchingarrich.
Police called after deer fence cut at Auchingarrich
The Facebook post continued: “If anyone sees him (Harris), please could you let us know and we will come and collect him immediately.
“He is very distinctive with his large antlers.
“Harris was on loan from the Highland Deer Sanctuary and they are also very upset at the news.
“I can not imagine who would cut through a wire deer fence at a wildlife park but we have notified the police.”
Auchingarrich is home to around 70 different animal species, including a herd of 47 deer.
Members of the public have shown support for the park on social media.
Helen Winton Ferguson wrote: “Terrible news.
“Some people are so intent on spoiling things for everyone.
“You will all be so worried for all the deer.
“I hope you have managed to get them all back safe and sound including Harris, he’s a grand specimen with those beautiful antlers.
Kylie Martin commented: “Gutted to hear this.
“I hope you get him back soon and that they are all ok.”
Janet Stewart said: “So sorry to read this.
“Why do people like to spoil the enjoyment of others?”
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We are aware of damage to a fence at a wildlife park in the Comrie area.
“Enquiries are ongoing.”
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