Hamster returns from the dead

Published Apr 14 2012, 19:45 BST  |  By Emma Dibdin

A hamster has reportedly returned from the dead.

The animal, previously known as Rhino but now rechristened Jesus, was buried by his owner outside their home in Oxfordshire after being found "dead and lifeless" in his cage.

The Sun reports that the 4-year-old hamster was then spotted in the garden by a neighbour the following day, who caught him and phoned his owner Dave Eyley.

An astonished Eyley reportedly replied: "It's impossible - our hamster is dead."

But upon returning home, he found that it was indeed Rhino, who had clawed his way out of his own two-foot-deep grave.

Eyley said: "He's a plucky little soul and seems unaffected by being dead and buried.

"He had rigor mortis when I buried him, and now he's running about. We're stunned - but happy to have him back."