‘Kingussie Kong’ making its way home
A MONKEY nicknamed Kingussie Kong that escaped a wildlife park in the Scottish Highlands is making its way back to the sanctuary, say keepers, after he was tracked by drones.
The male Japanese macaque, which broke free from the Highland Wildlife Park on Sunday, was spotted by an aerial camera on Tuesday afternoon. The footage of Kingussie Kong, which is named after the nearest town, shows the red-faced primate clambering through thick forest undergrowth.
Yesterday, Ben Harrower, the director of BH Wildlife Consultancy, said: “Despite the sun making it difficult for our thermal imaging to work effectively this morning, we were able to locate the macaque this afternoon ... [it] looks in good health and we will continue to
‘Unfortunately, he wasn’t in a position where we were confident we could bring him in safely’
support the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland and the Highland Wildlife Park to help with the safe return.”
Residents in the town of Kincraig have been urged to remain on the lookout for the primate which, keepers claim, fled after a fight in mating season. They have been asked to report sighting via a hotline on 07933 928377. While Japanese macaques do not typically attack humans they have been known to bite and scratch when threatened.
Keith Gilchrist, of the Highland Wildlife Park, said: “We were able to follow the macaque for 45 minutes yesterday using drones ... unfortunately, he wasn’t in a position where we were confident we could bring him in safely but he is making his way closer to the park.
“Our team will be out again today but given the high winds we won’t be able to fly the drones,” he added.