HM Coastguard CrosbyBuddy, a reindeer, sparks a massive search after he runs away from a Christmas celebration.
Armed police officers, the Coast Guard and members of the Royal Marines were called in to capture Santa after he escaped from the Enchanted Forest in Formby, Merseyside.
But Buddy’s winter escapades soon tire him, and Santa’s exhausted chief of staff is found fast asleep in the nearby sand dunes.
Santa’s Enchanted Forest owner Steve Howard was relieved that Buddy had become overly excited and had decided to stretch his legs, adding, “I think he was just doing a trial run for Christmas Eve.”
Merseyside Police said it began receiving reports of the deer missing at around 13:45 GMT on Saturday.
Concerned that he might wash up in a nearby river, the force called in Coast Guard teams to help locate him.
Buddy was later discovered on Formby beach using thermal binoculars while a lifeboat quad bike team came forward to tow him to the dunes.
Being monitored by a police drone, exhausted Buddy finally lay down to rest as a veterinarian gave him some sedatives Sunday morning.
HM Coastguard CrosbyThe vet was supported by some Royal Marines who were on exercise at a firing range nearby.
Buddy was then placed in a trailer and returned to his stable.
Steve said Buddy is a young reindeer who is “full of beans” and loves children, and enjoys feeding them moss from his hands.
“We have had deer come every year for about seven years and on this occasion Buddy got excited and jumped into the enclosure.
“I’m grateful for the services that helped get him through, and want to say thank you.”
Southport Lifeboat said: “Christmas was saved thanks to some great work from a number of agencies.”
Facebook group Formby Bubble shared a message from Buddy’s owners, posting: “We are delighted to share that Buddy is now safe, warm and back at his home in North Wales.
“After his unexpected seaside adventure, he is enjoying some well-deserved rest in his cozy stables and will take it easy for the rest of the year.”
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