Brits have been left baffled after a mysterious animal was spotted on the loose after escaping from its zoo enclosure on the weekend.

The exotic creature, which has dark fur and a long tail, first went missing after hours from Hemsley Conservation Centre in Sevenoaks, Kent, on Sunday. Locals took to social media to try and uncover what the species was, with some questioning whether it was a lemur or mongoose. “Sorry to be stupid but what is that?,” one person questioned. Whilst another said: “It looks like an anteater but its head and nose are too small.”

The centre has since issued an appeal on Facebook and confirmed that the animal is a weasel-like-mammal called a Tayra, which is from Central America. The species are known to be skilled climbers and they can travel at least 6km in just one night. Hemsley Conservation Centre said they have launched an investigation after they noticed damage was caused to the weld mesh. An official said they cannot rule out foul play at this time.

One resident said on Facebook: “Omg I saw this yesterday near Brands Hatch! Me and my sister were trying to figure out what it was. Just wish I saw this post before I saw the animal yesterday so I could have helped. It was not far from Brands Hatch on the A20 and it was running towards Farningham. Hope they get her home soon.” Another person wrote: “I’ve never heard of such a thing.” Whilst a third commented: “It looks like a mongoose but what do I know.”

The centre said they have been left “distraught” following the breach in the enclosure and said they are still searching for information. In a statement, an official said: “Yesterday morning, our keepers discovered that one of our tayra had breached their enclosure after damage to the weld mesh.

“If anybody has a sighting please immediately call 07712 734556 whilst trying to keep an eye on her location. She was last seen in the West Kingsdown area. She will not approach people but please do not approach, attempt to catch her or corner her as she will likely be scared and nervous in such a situation.

“Our keepers are naturally distraught and her welfare is our number one priority. We have informed the local authorities and are confident that we can recover her safely but will require your assistance in doing so, by calling the above number. Our keepers are giving some extra TLC and banana and grape treats to her mate who is doing well. We are conducting a full investigation, as it stands we cannot rule out foul play. Thank you for your assistance and understanding.”