Third man charged over echidna abduction

A third man has been charged over the abduction of Piggie the echidna from a Gold Coast wildlife sanctuary.

The four-year-old is now recovering from her 44-hour ordeal after being taken on Saturday before being slipped back under a fence at the sanctuary on Monday.

Overnight police charged a 20-year-old man with entering premises with intent and animal cruelty. He'll face the Southport Magistrates Court on August 13.

On Tuesday, a second man, aged 25, was also charged over the incident. He's due to face the same court on August 17.

The first person to be charged, a man aged 24, will be back in court on Wednesday.

The latter two are both facing charges of receiving tainted property and animal cruelty.