A Japanese macaque named Luka has escaped from Highland Wildlife Park near Aviemore, prompting a search involving thermal drones and an appeal for the public not to approach him.
The monkey disappeared overnight on Sunday, August 16, and was last seen in the Balavil area. Teams are using a range of techniques to trace him, including a thermal imaging drone.
Search under way after overnight escape
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."
He added: "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."
Park statement urges caution
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."
Previous escape in 2024
This incident follows a similar escape in 2024, when another Japanese macaque, called Honshu, fled the park after an apparent fight with other male monkeys. He was captured after being spotted in a nearby garden and moved to Edinburgh Zoo.
At that time, residents were urged to bring potential food sources like bird feeders or food waste inside to lure the monkey in. Drone footage showed the animal roaming under trees and sitting in undergrowth before scurrying off. The monkey, nicknamed Kingussie Kong, was around 300 metres (roughly 980ft) north of the park entrance.
He was monitored by drones until it was safe to tranquilise him and return him to the park.
