Escaped monkey returns to Highland Wildlife Park enclosure

A young monkey that managed to get out of a wildlife park at the centre of a similar escape two years ago has returned to his enclosure.

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) launched a search for Luka after he disappeared overnight from the Highland Wildlife Park, near Aviemore, in the Cairngorms National Park.

It is understood Luka, a five-year-old Japanese macaque, managed to get back into his enclosure by himself.

In January 2024, another monkey from the same species went on the run for more than five days after it fled the park, apparently after a fight with other male monkeys.

On that occasion, Honshu was captured after being spotted in the garden of a nearby house and later moved to Edinburgh Zoo to give him "a fresh start".

RZSS said it did not know how Luka escaped.

It said fencing was improved and different management protocols were introduced following the Honshu incident.

Darren McGarry, head of animal care, said drones fitted with thermal imaging cameras were used to look for Luka.

He said primate group dynamics could be "very complex" and males being forced out of a group was not uncommon.

McGarry said Luka would be given a health check.

He added: "We want to thank everyone who has helped during the search particularly those who supported our teams.

"Luka arrived home on his own accord and we are delighted to have him safely back at the park."

The Japanese macaque - also known as a snow monkey - is about the size of a medium-sized dog once it reaches adulthood.

Honshu, when he escaped two years ago, was part of a troop of 37 animals at the park.

RZSS said at the time he may have been trying to avoid a fight with others in the group when he escaped.

The troop was in the midst of its breeding season and keepers said tensions could sometimes run high.