Cheeky monkey that’s still on the run
A MONKEY which escaped from a wildlife park was spotted yesterday – as efforts to recapture him continue.
Thermal imaging drones are being used in the hunt for the Japanese Macaque which found a way out of its enclosure at Highland Wildlife Park on Sunday.
Locals are being urged not to keep any food outside to encourage the monkey to return to the park when it is hungry.
They have also been advised not to approach the animal.
Keith Gilchrist, of the wildlife park near Kingussie, said: “There has been a sighting of the macaque, which we are responding to. Throughout the day our expert team of animal keepers will be patrolling the area using a variety of techniques to try and coax him in, as well as using our thermal image drone contractor to aid with the search.
“Cairngorms Mountain Rescue has also kindly offered their thermal imaging drone.
“We’re hopeful the monkey will return to the park if he can’t find food. Although the macaque is not presumed dangerous to humans or pets, our advice is to not approach him but to contact our hotline on 07933 928 377 with any sightings.”
The wildlife park houses a large group of Japanese macaques after successfully breeding the species. The animal, also known as the snow monkey, is the most northerly living non-human primate, said the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland.
One couple who saw the monkey in their garden at the weekend described the experience as “surreal”. Carl Nagle, 49, and his partner Tiina Salzberg, 50, saw it from their patio doors in Kincraig on Sunday. It nibbled on the nuts in their bird feeder and perched on their fence for around 15 minutes before running away.
Tiina said: “We were elbowing each other out of the way so we could get the best video and camera angles.”
Carl added: “It’s the most surreal thing. I’ve seen snow monkeys in the wild but you don’t expect to see them in your back garden in the Highlands.”