The Japanese macaque, whose name is Luka, was reported missing from the Highland Wildlife Park near Aviemore.
A monkey has vanished from a Scots wildlife park just two years after a similar escape two years ago. The Japanese macaque, whose name is Luka, was reported missing from the Highland Wildlife Park near Aviemore after he disappeared overnight on Sunday, August 16.
A desperate search of the area is now underway to trace the animal, with members of the public urged not to approach him if they see him. Teams are currently using a range of techniques to trace Luka, including thermal drones.
When last seen, he was in the Balavil area. Darren McGarry, head of animal care at Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), said: “We are doing everything we can to locate the macaque using a variety of techniques in the local area including a thermal imaging drone.
“Primate group dynamics can be very complex and males being forced out of a group is not uncommon. Although the macaque is not dangerous, our advice is members of the public should not approach him and to contact 07769165117 with any details of a sighting.”
A statement from Highland Wildlife Park reads: “A young male Japanese macaque named Luka has escaped from his habitat at Highland Wildlife Park. The search teams are currently working to locate Luka using a range of techniques including a thermal imaging drone. He was last seen in the Balavil area.
“The macaque is not considered dangerous, but members of the public are asked not to approach him if spotted.”
It comes after another Japanese macaque went on the run for four days in 2024. They monkey, called Honshu, fled the park after an apparent fight with other male monkeys.
He was later captured after being spotted in the garden of a nearby house and was moved to Edinburgh Zoo. At the time, people in the area were urged to bring potential food sources like bird feeders or food waste inside to lure the monkey in and take him to the park.
Drone footage showed the animal roaming about underneath trees and sitting in undergrowth to have a look about before scurrying off. The monkey, which had been nicknamed Kingussie Kong, had been around 300 metres (roughly 980ft) north of the entry to the park.
He was monitored by drones until it was safe to tranquilise him and bring him back to the park.
Get more Daily Record exclusives by signing up for free to Google’s preferred sources. Click HERE
You must be logged in to post a comment Login