Photo: Alexander Turnbull LibraryThe country's obsession with celebrity animals is likely dated back to when Opo the bottlenose dolphin rose to fame in 1955. Opo was a wild dolphin that started following fishing boats around Opononi in early 1955. Opo is memorialised by a statue in Opononi and was the subject of songs, children's books and multiple documentaries. Photo: Supplied via NZHWe've had animals escape the zoo, but it's not often a fugitive otter remains on the run for so long. But finally, after 26 days on the loose, Jin was captured by zookeepers on Rangitoto and relocated to Wellington Zoo.

Source: Otago Daily Times July 15, 2021 02:41 UTC