Drone deployed in second-day search for Kincraig monkey
The Japanese macaque who broke out of the Highland Wildlife Park on Sunday morning is still at large after two days and nights on the run, despite concentrated searches around the area.
Darren McGarry, head of living collections at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, confirmed: “A team of our charity’s expert keepers are patrolling the village today in order to locate and return the macaque that escaped yesterday.
"We are asking anyone who spots him to please call 07933928377 or email comms@rzss.org.uk with information. "Although we don’t expect the monkey to be a threat to the public or pet animals, he should not be approached.
“We are doing everything we can to locate the macaque and are in talks with a drone company to help in this process."
Villagers are urged to take in any food usually kept outside, such as food waste bins and bird feeders.
It's hoped this will help to encourage the monkey to return to the park, once he is hungry enough to want to return to his enclosure and family.
It emerged today that some 15 years ago a similar incident occurred at the wildlife park, but the animal had not gone so far as and was promptly recovered.
This animal has proven far more resourceful.
It was filmed in the village's rear gardens attempting to raid birdfeeders but having to resort to nuts which had spilled onto the ground.
At one point today police joined the search in an effort to round up the resourceful escapee, but by nightfall, again, the beast - already dubbed Kincraig Kong by some – was still at large.
Japanese macaques, also known as snow monkeys, are not usually dangerous to humans.
It’s not the first time a Japanese macaque has escaped from Highland Wildlife Park.
According to BBC News, a monkey managed to escape its enclosure in 2008.
It was recaptured nearby within an hour.
