Sunseekers on End Beach were treated to an unexpected sight yesterday afternoon when a pygmy rhinoceros was seen trotting along the shoreline, pausing occasionally to sniff seaweed and paddle in the shallows.
The animal, described by witnesses as “about the size of a largish Labrador but shaped like a tank,” was last seen heading east toward the dunes.
“I thought it was a strange-looking dog at first,” said beachgoer Claire Munro. “Then it turned, and I saw the horn. My ice cream nearly hit the sand.”
Children were reportedly delighted. Eight-year-old Harry Collins told The End Times: “It was so cute! It looked like it wanted to play football. Mum wouldn’t let me kick my ball to it though.”
The pygmy rhinoceros is believed to have wandered away from End Wildlife Park, where staff confirmed one of their animals had gone missing from its enclosure.
Keeper James Radcliffe reassured the public that the rhino, named Buttons, is gentle by nature. “She’s very sweet, and she enjoys bananas and back scratches,” he said. “But please, don’t approach her. She weighs a quarter of a ton and doesn’t know her own strength. Also, she has a habit of sitting on things when she’s excited.”
Local police issued a statement reminding residents to keep a respectful distance. “If you see the animal, do not try to pet it, feed it, or take a selfie with it. Call the non-emergency line and trained staff will attend.”
By late evening, footprints were still visible along the tide line, though Buttons herself had not been located. Volunteers from the park plan to set out banana lures overnight in the hope of coaxing her safely home.
Despite the warnings, the sight of a pygmy rhinoceros ambling across the sands has already captured the town’s imagination. One beach hut owner summed it up best: “You expect seagulls. You don’t expect a rhino. But that’s End for you.”
