A Japanese macaque that escaped from its enclosure at the Highland Wildlife Park in Kingussie on Sunday has been safely captured and returned to its home after a five-day adventure in the Scottish Highlands.
How the monkey escaped and where it was seen
The monkey, a male named Kintaro, managed to find a way out of its enclosure on Sunday morning, taking advantage of a gap in the electric fence. He was soon spotted by residents of the nearby village of Kincraig, where he was seen snacking on nuts and bird seeds from garden feeders. Some locals managed to capture videos and photos of the cheeky monkey, who seemed to be enjoying his freedom.
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), which runs the park, said it had assembled a team of experts and volunteers to recapture Kintaro, using drones, thermal imaging cameras, and baited traps. They also urged the public not to approach the monkey, but to contact them with any information.
The challenges and risks of the search operation
The search for Kintaro was not easy, as he proved to be a smart and elusive animal. He was able to evade the traps and the drones, and to move across a large area of woodland and farmland. The team had to be careful not to stress or scare him, as that could make him more unpredictable and dangerous.
The RZSS said that Kintaro posed a risk to himself and to others, as he could potentially transmit diseases, injure people or pets, or damage property. He was also vulnerable to predators, traffic, and cold weather. The park staff were concerned about his welfare and hoped to bring him back to his group as soon as possible.
The happy ending of the monkey’s adventure
On Friday morning, the team finally managed to locate and capture Kintaro, who was found about three miles from the park. He was sedated and transported back to his enclosure, where he was reunited with his mates. The park staff said he was in good health and condition, and that he would be monitored closely for the next few days.
The RZSS thanked the public, the police, the local farmers, and the volunteers for their help and cooperation in the search operation. They also said they would review the security and safety measures of the park, and make any necessary improvements to prevent any future escapes.
The Highland Wildlife Park is home to a group of 21 Japanese macaques, also known as snow monkeys, who are part of a European breeding programme. The park is one of the few places in the world where visitors can see these monkeys in a naturalistic setting, with a large pool and a hot spring.
