Japanese macaque found after escaping from Highland Wildlife Park

A monkey which escaped from the Highland Wildlife Park has been found.

The Japanese macaque, known as Luka, broke out of his habitat overnight, prompting zookeepers to begin searching.

The young monkey was spotted in the Bavalil area of the nearby town of Newtonmore on Monday.

Search teams used thermal imaging drones to locate Luka, who is now on his way back to his habitat.

Darren McGarry, head of animal care at RZSS, said: “The search has concluded successfully and Luka is safely back in our care.

“He will now be looked over by our keepers and veterinary team before being carefully reintroduced to his group.

“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.”

Issues arise within macaque groups, which result in some males being forced out.

The recapture of Luka was much quicker than that of his fellow escapee, Honshu, who went on the run for five days in January 2024 and was eventually found and transferred to Edinburgh Zoo after becoming a celebrity.